Liverpool concluded their American pre-season campaign by holding an open practice session at the Chicago Fire performance center. The event featured a brief appearance by Robert Lewandowski, who was spotted taking penalty kicks while the Liverpool squad began their preparations.
A recent viral clip showing a heated exchange between Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones after the victory over Wrexham was brushed aside as the players participated in drills with visible camaraderie. The conflict, reportedly sparked by a dispute over the captain’s armband, appears to have been resolved, though it highlighted the urgent need for Iraola to officially designate a vice-captain following Andy Robertson’s exit.
Key players including Alexander Isak, Ryan Gravenberch, and Florian Wirtz have returned to training and are anticipated to play in Sunday’s match against Leeds United. Meanwhile, Jeremy Jacquet continued gym work to manage a persistent shoulder injury, leaving his participation this weekend in doubt alongside the sidelined Joe Gomez.
Andoni Iraola maintained a high-energy presence, frequently guiding players with vocal instructions during intensive drills. The session eventually split into specialized groups, focusing on set-pieces and small-sided games. The presence of FSG president Mike Gordon added an administrative focus to the proceedings, while Iraola’s efforts to integrate with club legends like Phil Thompson and Robbie Fowler signal his commitment to honoring Liverpool’s history as his tenure begins.
