Iraola Admits Liverpool Struggle to Maintain High Level After Monaco Loss

New manager faces depth issues as Liverpool players tire after changes.

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola admitted that his team struggles to maintain high match-winning levels, especially after substitutions. After a sell-out crowd welcomed the Spanish manager at Anfield for his first home match in charge against Monaco, he revealed Liverpool's squad depth issues are evident as players tire early.

“We played a good first half [and] the last two games we cannot sustain that level,” Iraola told LFC TV. “As soon as we made some changes, players start to get tired and we can’t maintain such high levels.”

Iraola’s squad is currently managing only after two pre-season losses in a row, with quality thinning across the team. Virgil van Dijk returned post-World Cup break alongside Alisson and Cody Gakpo but younger players like Ifeanyi Ndukwe are on loan until next season due to work permit issues.

• The team threw away a two-goal lead against Monaco, similar performance to the Leeds match.
• No one player sustained top form throughout the match; Florian Wirtz was standout with a goal and Isak showed promise but both admit fatigue.

Who will play next week at Newcastle?

Ronald Araujo is set for his loan move from Barcelona, while new signing Jeremy Jacquet may still recover in time. 'Jeremy is playing through pain,' Iraola said, optimistic that he could yet feature against Como.