Liverpool’s first group of returnees reported back to the AXA Training Centre this week July 14 as preparations began for the upcoming 2026/27 campaign. Cameras were on hand to capture a first glimpse of Andoni Iraola’s methods, with supporters offered an early insight into the new head coach philosophy.
With fresh faces, academy prospects and signs of a tactical shift, here are five things spotted from Liverpool’s first pre-season session.
1. A return to a forgotten intensity
Despite the heatwave sweeping across England, the immediate takeaway from the Reds opening session was the intensity.
From the tempo of drills to the aggression in pressing exercises, Iraola’s methods offered a glimpse into the physical demands of his new regime.
After outlining his desire for an aggressive style built around pressing and verticality during his first press conference, supporters were given early evidence of those principles on the training pitch.
The exhausted expressions of the players at the end of the session highlighted the demands being placed on the squad, although such fatigue is expected during pre-season as players rebuild their fitness. Nevertheless, fans will hope that the emphasis on intensity and pressure without the ball can translate into competitive matches.
2. Iraola’s style already evident
The vocal involvement of Iraola and his coaching staff immediately drew comparisons with Jurgen Klopp’s hands-on training approach.
Much of the session focused on possession drills, with one group tasked with maintaining control while another pressed aggressively to test close control, passing under pressure and decision-making in tight spaces.
The work reflected the principles that defined Iraola’s Bournemouth side, with players encouraged to be composed in possession while remaining aggressive when out of it.
After a season where Liverpool’s identity under Slot occasionally lacked the intensity and cohesion associated with Klopp’s era, supporters will welcome early signs of a more familiar approach.
3. New, young faces involved
With several senior players returning later after the World Cup, the session provided an opportunity for academy prospects to impress.
The likes of Josh Abe, Will Wright, Lewis Koumas and summer arrival Ifeanyi Ndukwe were involved, with the 18-year-old Austrian centre-back among the newest faces looking to make an impression.
With Liverpool’s squad depth affected by departures and injuries, opportunities could emerge for academy players during pre-season. Their involvement suggests they will be given a chance to compete for senior opportunities.
4. Players with points to prove
Pre-season represents an opportunity for several players to reset and impress Iraola.
Federico Chiesa is among those with the most to gain after a difficult first season at Anfield, where he managed just 814 minutes of first-team football. With speculation surrounding a possible return to Serie A, strong performances in training could help him force his way into the new manager’s plans.
Milos Kerkez also has plenty to prove. The Hungarian left-back reunited with the manager who helped him thrive at Bournemouth, where Iraola’s tactical system brought the best out of him. A strong pre-season could provide the platform for him to rediscover that form at Liverpool.
5. Jacquet in, Konate out
One of the most intriguing sights was summer signing Jeremy Jacquet taking part in training.
The French defender arrived from Stade Rennais for a reported ÂŁ54.2m and, after injury concerns before his move, his early involvement will encourage supporters.
With Virgil van Dijk still away following the World Cup, Jacquet has the opportunity to immediately impress Iraola and begin building an understanding within Liverpool’s defence.
His arrival, alongside the No.5 shirt he has inherited, suggests he could play a major role in the new era at Anfield.
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