“We’re all hungry” – Liverpool star sends message to fans ahead of the new season | OneFootball

Joe Gomez Sets Tone for Liverpool Pre-Season Under Andoni Iraola

Liverpool are back at the AXA Training Centre, and the early message is simple. No noise, no grandstanding, just work. Joe Gomez, now heading into his 12th season at the club, has made it clear that the squad have returned with purpose under new head coach Andoni Iraola.

For a player who has seen managers change, dressing rooms evolve and expectations remain permanently high, Gomez knows what pre-season is for. It is not about slogans. It is about laying down a base that lasts from August through to spring. As he put it, “It’s definitely a chance to build a foundation that can give you such a good base for the season.” That is the point of this part of the calendar, and Liverpool’s senior players understand it.

Gomez added, “I think in that regard it’s hard to state how important it is. I think I’ve learned out of time you want to try and navigate it the best way where you adapt but also get through it healthy and ready to go. Everyone deals with it differently, but it is important for us all.”

Liverpool pre-season starts with clear intent

The summer break mattered. Players needed it, mentally and physically. Gomez did not dress that up. “Yeah, definitely. It was nice to get such an extended period to switch off and be with the family. Definitely refreshed looking forward to the new campaign.” That is what you want to hear in early July, fresh legs, clear heads, no excuses.

There is also a practical reality to the current group at Kirkby. Some of the bigger names are still to return, which leaves Gomez as one of the experienced voices on the grass. He said, “I guess it’s one you kind of grow into, it’s not like an instant thing. I think with time I’ve got more used to it. Everyone does it in their own way and in my way I enjoy it.”

That sort of seniority matters in pre-season. Standards are set early, and younger players spot quickly who is serious. Gomez has been around long enough to know how the place works, even with a new coach in the building.

Andoni Iraola already making strong impression

Iraola has only just started the job, but the early response from the squad is positive. Gomez did not overcomplicate it. “Really, really good. He seems like a really nice guy. It’s obviously massively impressive what he did at Bournemouth and how he got them to perform. I think we’re all looking forward to it and we’re all excited to have him. We’re all hungry and excited to go.”

Photo: IMAGO

That tracks with reality. Iraola arrives with a reputation for intensity, organisation and demanding football. Liverpool need direction after a poor 2025-26 campaign, and pre-season is where a new coach starts imposing habits. Nice words are irrelevant unless they are backed up by work, but for now the tone from the squad is right.

There is a visible lift around the training ground too. Gomez said, “Definitely. I think it’s a combination of a new gaffer and having such a good break. At the end of the day, we love what we do and we’re always going to be excited to come back and get ready.”

Joe Gomez focused on progress for new season

Gomez has seen enough football to avoid making loud promises in July. His view on the season ahead was measured and sensible. “It’s to just have a good year and enjoy it and try and get better. I think it’s always key, you can always learn, keep learning, keep progressing and enjoy the ride.”

That is probably the correct attitude for Liverpool right now. The club have a new head coach, a squad that still carries quality, and a pre-season period that has to be used properly. Gomez knows all about the rhythm of this place, and his message is blunt enough. Be fit, be ready, improve, then get on with it. You can read more about Liverpool pre-season and the squad’s return at Liverpool FC.