Liverpool 3-2 Monaco: Iraola faces familiar second-half problem after another pre-season collapse | OneFootball

Liverpool suffered their second consecutive pre-season defeat, falling 3-2 to AS Monaco at Anfield.

Despite taking an early two-goal lead, Andoni Iraola’s side once again faltered after the interval, raising tactical questions as the new Premier League campaign approaches.

Liverpool collapse in second half against Monaco

The match followed an eerily identical pattern to Liverpool’s 4-2 loss against Leeds United earlier in the summer.

The Reds dominated the opening exchanges at Anfield, showcasing fluid attacking football. Alexander Isak opened the scoring with a clinical finish before Florian Wirtz doubled the lead from close range.

However, just as they did against Leeds, Liverpool surrendered total control of the fixture in the second half.

Monaco capitalized on escalating defensive lapses, reducing the margin via an Aleksandr Golovin penalty before Mika Biereth restored parity.

Paris Brunner completed the comeback with an 88th-minute header, exposing familiar mid-game structural fragility.

Should Liverpool be worried?

The defensive falling apart in the second half of two consecutive games is indeed alarming, representing a key issue that Iraola will need to figure out before the official season begins.

Conceding seven goals across back-to-back friendly fixtures after establishing comfortable 2-0 leads highlights vulnerability during match transitions.

As wholesale squad rotations took effect around the hour mark, structural cohesion evaporated across the pitch.

With intense pressing demands placed on players still building match fitness, the drop in overall energy levels allowed opponents to slice through the central core.

Rebuilding 90-minute stamina and defensive discipline remains an urgent priority for Iraola’s coaching staff.

Ronald Araujo and Jeremy Jacquet could provide Liverpool with defensive reinforcement

While repeated second-half collapses warrant tactical tweaks, broader context is essential during summer preparation.

Iraola used both friendlies to experiment with personnel combinations, integrate emerging talent, and manage minutes for senior starters like Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker returning to full sharpness.

Pre-season scorelines rarely serve as a direct forecast for competitive performance.

Liverpool are also expected to strengthen their defence, with Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo reportedly set to arrive on loan.

The Uruguay international would provide Iraola with another physically dominant and experienced option at centre-back, potentially helping address some of the defensive weaknesses exposed during pre-season.

Jeremy Jacquet is also expected to return from his long-term injury, giving Liverpool another potential option as the squad moves closer to the Premier League opener.

If Liverpool can restore their defensive depth and improve their ability to maintain intensity throughout matches, the problems exposed against Leeds and Monaco could prove to be valuable lessons rather than signs of a deeper crisis.

For now, Iraola’s priority will be ensuring Liverpool can turn their impressive first-half performances into complete 90-minute displays before the new Premier League season begins.