Iraola Gets Off to Winning Start as Liverpool Boss

Andoni Iraola started life at Liverpool with a pre-season victory over fellow Premier League side Sunderland.

There were plenty of positives to take for the new head coach, but the Reds still have a lot of work to do before the 2026-27 EPL campaign gets underway.

Reds See Off Black Cats in Nashville

Liverpool kicked off their pre-season with a thrilling win against Sunderland at Geodis Park in Nashville. All eyes were on new manager Iraola, who took charge of the club for the very first time.

Young Kieran Morrison got the first goal of the Iraola era, but the Black Cats were in front just after half time. Dominik Szoboszlai levelled before Federico Chiesa’s winner. There was time for one more, with Lewis Koumas hitting a fourth in the eventual 4-2 win.

Scoring four goals was pleasing for Iraola, but there were one or two issues in defence. Also, losing Joe Gomez to an injury early on was a real setback.

Can the Reds Challenge for Silverware Under Iraola?

Liverpool are among the favourites to win the Premier League title this season. Arsenal and Manchester City are ahead in the betting, but the Reds could be in the mix this term.

Iraola did a sensational job at Bournemouth, taking the Cherries into Europe last season. They finished in sixth spot, just three points and one place behind Liverpool. One of Bournemouth’s best results was a 3-2 home victory over the Merseyside giants in January.

Iraola’s competitive reign as Liverpool head coach officially gets underway with a trip to Newcastle United on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

St James’ Park is a tough place to visit, but the Merseysiders will fancy their chances of leaving with all three points.

A week later, Iraola has his first Anfield assignment, as Liverpool entertain Nottingham Forest. The Spaniard is hoping to get off to a flying start.