Full Breakdown
Iraola’s Liverpool debut: 4-2 preseason win over Sunderland in Nashville
7/26/2026, 6:32:42 AM
Core Event – First match of Andoni Iraola’s tenure
On Saturday, July 25, Liverpool opened its U.S. pre-season tour at GEODIS Park in Nashville, Tennessee, facing Sunderland. The Reds secured a 4-2 victory. Goals came from Kieran Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas, while Sunderland replied through Enzo Le Fée and Timur Tutierov. Early in the second half, centre-back Joe Gomez was forced off after roughly ten minutes with a muscle issue, prompting a youthful defensive reshuffle.
Background & Context
Andoni Iraola took charge of Liverpool in June after the dismissal of Arne Slot, inheriting a squad that had just finished a disappointing title defence and saw the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konaté. The Nashville friendly marked the first competitive appearance for several new signings, including defender Jérémy Jacquet, and the first test of Iraola’s tactical ideas with a largely depleted roster—World Cup participants such as Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo and several recent signings remained on holiday or in rehabilitation. Sunderland, under Régis Le Bris, entered the match after a 5-1 win over York City and with several of their own World Cup players unavailable.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: Liverpool 4 – 2 Sunderland
- Goal scorers: Kieran Morrison (13´), Dominik Szoboszlai (second half), Federico Chiesa, Lewis Koumas
- Goal scorers (Sunderland): Enzo Le Fée, Timur Tutierov
- Attendance: 24,897 (official)
- Starting line-up (Liverpool, 4-2-3-1): Giorgi Mamardashvili; Jeremie Frimpong, Jérémy Jacquet, Joe Gomez, Milos Kerkez; Trey Nyoni, Curtis Jones; Szoboszlai, Harvey Elliott, Rio Ngumoha; Will Wright
- Substitutes who featured: Mor Talla Ndiaye, Ifeanyi Ndukwe (both 18-year-old centre-backs)
Official Statements & Responses
He also acknowledged the defensive setback, describing Gomez’s injury as “the worst news” and explaining the cautious approach with Jacquet, who was kept out of the first half to protect his fitness.
Both managers emphasized the need to manage player workloads while assessing the squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Probably the worst news has been straight away the injury of Joe,” — Park. The Andoni Iraola, head coach
- “They are already there in Chicago,” — Park. The Andoni Iraola, head coach
- “With Jeremy we decided to take it easy with him,” — Park. The Andoni Iraola, head coach
Impact & Outlook
The win provided an encouraging glimpse of Iraola’s attacking intent, with a fluid 4-2-3-1 shape and several young players earning minutes. However, the early loss of Gomez exposed the thinness of Liverpool’s senior defensive options, a concern amplified by Konaté’s recent departure and the pending return of Van Dijk later in the tour. Iraola indicated that additional signings, particularly a new winger, remain a priority.
Liverpool’s next U.S. fixtures include a match against Monaco later this month and the conclusion of the tour against Leeds United in Chicago in early August. Sunderland will continue their preparation with games against Lens, Rennes, Leeds and Wrexham. The outcomes of these fixtures will further inform Iraola’s squad selections and transfer targets as the club approaches the 2026-27 Premier League season.
