Liverpool were put through their paces by Andoni Iraola and his coaching team ahead of Liverpool's first Premier League game against Newcastle United at St. James' Park on Sunday.
Here are five things we spotted as Liverpool gear up for their trip north up the M6 to face Newcastle United.
5 - Hugo Ekitike's absence
It still hasn't sunk in that the Frenchman will be missing a huge chunk of the season. After such a great start last year, it would have been great to see him continue proving to the footballing world why he is one of the best young forwards in the world.
But, instead he is having to watch and cheer on from the sidelines:
Honestly, I find it cool and refreshing how Ekitike is handling his recovery.
— Iraola Space (@IraolaSpace) August 20, 2026
He stays around and involved as much as he can. During the US tour, he tagged along watching practices, hanging around the pitch, and all that. Even at AXA, he’s actively present, cheering on his… pic.twitter.com/gceVCepXG3
What is encouraging though is how he hasn't isolated himself during his recovery - he joined the squad in America and is clearly keeping an eye on how things are under new head coach Iraola. This will only help ensure he hits the ground running once he is ready to return to the pitch.
Speaking of absences, this will be the first time in nine years that Mohamed Salah isn't in the starting line-up for the Reds on MD1. We're all getting old.
4 - Szoboszlai's sharp shooting
Dominik Szoboszlai is not afraid to hit one from distance. The technique he hits the ball with frequently leaves goalkeepers flat flooted (see David Raya and Gianluigi Donnarumma).
What we noticed was the sheer accuracy he has with his shots. The Hungarian was consistently hitting 'top bins' with his attempts.
Having a player that is so dangerous from outside the box is such a great string on the bow for Iraola - it adds an option that will constantly be in the back of the mind of defenders, which can open up opportunities for other players as a result.
3 - Frimpong's deliveries
Trent Alexander-Arnold's ability on the ball is almost impossible to replace. His deliveries were pinpoint and such a key aspect of success under Jurgen Klopp, and in Arne Slot's first season.
No one is expecting Jeremie Frimpong to be able to replicate how dangerous the Englishman was for the Reds in that sense, but as we saw against Como, the fullback is improving in that regard.
For Bayer Leverkusen, Frimpong was great at getting to the by-line and cutting the ball back or digging out a cross to the back post. However, against Como, and as we saw in training, his deliveries are becoming more and more accurate.
Against the Italian side he picked out Cody Gakpo with a nice cross from a central position, and then did the same for Alexander Isak in training yesterday.
Liverpool's number 30 needs to have a strong start this season following a poor start in Merseyside, but after a strong pre-season, he looks as ready as ever.
2- Recovery after losing possession
It's a training ground classic. Three rectangular boxes, three teams. Two teams keeping possession and one defending (until possession is lost, then they swap).
The aim is to reach a number of passes before switching the ball to the other team keeping possession, avoiding defenders in your box and in the middle box. Incredibly effective at improving collective defending and working on playing in tight spaces before switching play, which Liverpool will be doing a lot of.
Iraola has a clear blueprint that he wants his side to follow - lots of pressing, attacking football and defending from the front. This was as evident as ever in yesterday's session and will be throughout the season under Liverpool's new Basque head coach.
1 - Playing in tight spaces
Iraola clearly feels the Reds will be on the front foot against Newcastle, spending time working on attacking phases of play, as well as shooting and recovery drills.
Throughout the session the Reds were constricted to smaller playing areas, forcing quicker decision-making and tight control. Key for when you're spending time on the edge of an opponent's box or up against a full-back.
Rio Ngumoha was particularly impressive, as was Gakpo. Jeremy Jacquet looked strong as well, following his impressive debut against Como.
Sunday's fixture against Newcastle will be interesting. They have a new manager, have lost several key players and struggled last season. But, they will be as invigorated as ever, eager to prove that it was just a blip and that they deserve to be in and amongst Europe's best.
Liverpool's Premier League campaign starts on Sunday at 4:30pm BST at St. James' Park.
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