Andoni Iraola described Joe Gomez’s injury during Liverpool’s 4-2 pre-season win against Sunderland as the most disappointing aspect of his first match as manager. Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after moving from Bournemouth, watched his team secure victory in Nashville behind goals from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Lewis Koumas.
Gomez, who was serving as captain, left the pitch just eight minutes into the contest, exacerbating Iraola’s existing defensive personnel shortage. The manager noted that new recruit Jeremy Jacquet is being managed cautiously due to a previous shoulder injury, while Giovanni Leoni remains sidelined. Iraola expressed concerns about his thin defensive roster but hopes to utilize the remaining matches against Wrexham and Leeds to build momentum.
Although the team lacked sharpness due to heavy training loads, Iraola views the result as a useful foundation for progress. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk remains on an extended break following the World Cup, but Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch are expected to link up with the squad in Chicago soon.
