Liverpool Preseason Form remains under scrutiny as the Reds prepare for a unique double-header against Serie A side Como on Sunday, with the new Premier League season fast approaching.
Following an indifferent pre-season campaign, Liverpool will look to clarify a few points at the two games against Como before competitive action kicks off. The first will be played behind closed doors in the coaching area, and the second will be played at Anfield, where the coaching staff can be able to evaluate various players and tactics.
Liverpool have not been entirely successful in their preparations. However, the club’s lack of form was highlighted as they lost their next two matches against Leeds United and AS Monaco, sparking worries about defensive and consistency issues. The pre-season displays, while not always indicative of what is to come, have identified improvements that will need to be made this season in the Premier League.
Manager Andoni Iraola admitted those worries but highlighted some positive things he has seen from some of his players in recent games. After losing the last weekend’s 3-2 defeat to Monaco, he emphasised that there were some moments that were good to see, but they were unable to sustain that pace.
Iraola said that the biggest problem with the team is consistency. He made the same point at the Leeds United defeat in Chicago, where Liverpool looked good over long periods in the game, but never maintained the pace and quality for the whole match.
Addressing the problems will take time, a lot of practice and work on the practice field, and continued growth as the team develops in front of the season opener,” the manager said.
The upcoming games against Como thus have a greater meaning. Liverpool will be looking to make their players more cohesive, more concentrated and have a more consistent level of performance in 90 minutes than they had shown previously.
