Intensity, laughter and Lewandowski - inside Liverpool training under Iraola
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola is stamping his authority with high-intensity sessions, while the squad puts a heated argument behind them and prepares for the season ahead.
Earlier this week, a video surfaced on social media showing Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones having a heated exchange after Liverpool's win over Wrexham. Jones has been linked with a move to Inter Milan, but Szoboszlai downplayed the incident on Thursday, insisting all players are united in wanting the best for the club.
Later, Szoboszlai, Jones and Kostas Tsimikas - who was also in the clip - walked out together in good spirits, playing keepy-uppies and joking in front of cameras. The argument was reportedly over Szoboszlai handing the captain's armband to Tsimikas instead of Jones, but by Friday it had calmed down.
This episode highlights the need for Iraola to appoint a vice-captain soon, following Andy Robertson's departure. Record signing Alexander Isak returned to training this week after missing the New York friendly, along with Florian Wirtz and Ryan Gravenberch. All three are expected to feature against Leeds on Sunday.
Jeremy Jacquet skipped training and worked in the gym as the club manage his recovery from a shoulder injury sustained in February, leaving his weekend participation in doubt. Joe Gomez, ruled out for the start of the Premier League season, was also doing gym work.
Iraola's training drills were intense, with the coach heavily involved and repeatedly calling for "play in possession" and "quicker, quicker". The mood was positive, with players celebrating goals in mini-drills.
The squad split into groups: one played a nine-a-side match, while another worked on set-pieces with assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper. Wirtz took corners, and Elphick even joined in wearing a bib.
Watching on was Mike Gordon, president of Fenway Sports Group, who is again overseeing Liverpool's operations. He is expected at Sunday's game at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Thursday evening saw a team dinner, with Iraola sharing a beer with legends Phil Thompson and Robbie Fowler. Thompson told BBC Sport they discussed the upcoming season and their families. Iraola was not yet born when Thompson won his third European Cup with Liverpool, but the gesture showed the new boss respecting the club's history.
With three weeks until his first Premier League match as Liverpool manager, Iraola is already laying the groundwork in the Windy City.
