NewsAndoni Iraola reaction: Liverpool 2-0 Como, Jacquet, Araujo and season prep
Andoni Iraola drew plenty of positives from Liverpool's 2-0 win over Como 1907 at Anfield in a friendly on Sunday evening.
The Reds ended their 2026-27 pre-season programme in victory thanks to first-half finishes from Cody Gakpo and debutant Jeremy Jacquet.
It was the second meeting between the clubs on the day, with the first ending goalless at the AXA Training Centre.
Read on for Liverpoolfc.com's interview with the head coach after the game in L4.
On the positives from the win...
I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game. Still, the first half has been better than the second, but at least we kept our organisation, our composure and we found a way to finish with a clean sheet, 2-0. I think we needed this feeling before we start.
On whether he was impressed by the performances of Jacquet and Ronald Araujo...
Yes, both of them. I think Jeremy played really well. Also Ronald played really well when he came in. When you have two new faces, first game for both, they do so well. It was also a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes as a right-back, helping us offensively but closing very well his side also. So, some good performances at the back.
On the physical condition of the players...
I think we are better than we were last week. Still, I hope next week we are better than we were today. It's normal but first halves are still better than second halves. But today a lot of players played 90 minutes, 80 minutes and they finished [with] no cramps, apparently nothing major. So, it's keep building these fitness levels, this also [mentality] even when you are not as fresh [to] keep the focus so you don't make the big mistakes. I think it's an improvement but still – especially second half – we need to be better.
On how he will use the week ahead of the Premier League opener at Newcastle United...
Even Ipswich but it's a Friday, we have two or three full weeks where we can train. At the end, we need training, we need to train together. Some of the players that have started playing today, we need to build relationships, the players to have this option to solve problems by themselves in the pitch, analyse what we can improve – especially second half today. This needs time. So, I think we can use these two, three weeks – we have full weeks – so we are ready for the league.
On the squad adapting to his methods...
Yes, I think everyone understands. We need every player, every time, every minute, every action – and that's the commitment. I'm very happy with the attitude of the players. They are training really well. I am asking them to do things that are a little bit different – especially without the ball – and I think they are trying to get it. Obviously now still we are not perfect. We have things to improve but I'm very happy with their attitude, their willingness to be on the same page, and we will get there.