Intensity, smiles and Lewandowski at Liverpool training

Liverpool's first open training session under Andoni Iraola took place at the performance centre of Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire, where Robert Lewandowski, who currently plays for the Fire, was seen taking penalties in the background. Under gloomy skies, Lewandowski missed a spot-kick as the Fire's training concluded and Liverpool's began.
During the session, it was noted that dominant interactions were present among players, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Curtis Jones, who has been linked with a transfer to Inter Milan, engaging in a heated argument after Liverpool's recent win over Wrexham. Szoboszlai later downplayed the incident, emphasizing that all players were unified in their desire for the club’s success. Despite the earlier tension, Jones, Szoboszlai, and Kostas Tsimikas left the training field together, sharing jokes and performing keepy-uppies in front of cameras, which painted a picture of camaraderie.
The disagreement stemmed from Szoboszlai designating Tsimikas as captain instead of Jones, however, by Friday, the situation appeared resolved. It reflected that competitive spirits can emerge in elite sports, though it served as a reminder for Iraola to appoint a new vice-captain after Andy Robertson's departure.
Record signing Alexander Isak returned to training after missing a trip to New York, aimed at his recovery for the upcoming match against Leeds on Sunday. Jeremy Jacquet participated in gym work as he manages his shoulder injury, remaining uncertain for the weekend, while Joe Gomez was ruled out for the beginning of the Premier League season and also worked in the gym.
As the warm-ups concluded, Iraola's drills displayed a high level of intensity. He was actively involved, urging players with phrases like "play in possession" and "quicker, quicker". The atmosphere was positive, highlighted by player celebrations during mini-drills. The squad split for a nine-a-side match and set-piece work, with Wirtz taking charge of corners and Iraola's assistants engaging fully in the training.
Mike Gordon, president of Fenway Sports Group, observed the training and is expected to attend the game on Sunday at Soldier Field in Chicago. A team dinner on Thursday saw Iraola bonding with legends such as Phil Thompson and Robbie Fowler over discussions about the season ahead and personal matters, indicating his awareness and respect for the club's storied history.
With three weeks remaining before his inaugural Premier League match as Liverpool manager, Iraola is laying the groundwork for his tenure in Chicago.