LONDON: Andoni Iraola’s first Anfield match as Liverpool manager ended in a 3-2 friendly defeat by Monaco on Sunday after his side squandered a two-goal lead for the second week in a row.

Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz put the Reds ahead, but like against Leeds last week in Chicago — when Liverpool were two goals up but lost 4-2 — they were unable to preserve their lead.

Aleksandr Golovin’s penalty and Mika Biereth got Monaco back on level terms, before Paris Brunner headed in a late winner.

Iraola made 11 changes to his side in the second half and gave a first Liverpool appearance to new signing Victor Munoz.

“I think (this was) quite similar to the game we played against Leeds,” said 44-year-old Spaniard Iraola.

“I think we played really good (in the) first half, especially the first 30 minutes, but right now probably we don’t have much more in terms of the level required to play like this.

“Then they (Monaco) were much better in the second half, in the same way we were better in the first half, they were much better in the second half, and they deserved to turn around the game, yes.”

Captain Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson Becker and winger Cody Gakpo all made their first appearances since the World Cup.

“I think they were in different levels but mostly they were in a good place,” said Iraola of the returning players.

“I think the ones that it was their first game, or even the ones that it was their second game, they had energy.

“The problem is right now probably they don’t have the energy for 90 minutes and they start to get tired.

“It will take time with them, we need more training with them. But we can take a lot of positives, but also a lot of negatives from today.”

Liverpool begin their Premier League season away to Newcastle United on Aug 23.

UNITED HELD PSG

In Gothenburg, Sweden, Manchester United played out a draw against Paris St-Germain but playmaker Mason Mount was forced off injured.

But United manager Michael Carrick played down concerns of a serious injury.

“He got kicked,” Carrick told reporters of Mount, who has played sparingly due to various injuries since joining the club from Chelsea in 2023.

“We just wanted to be careful and look after him. We’ve been lucky with injuries so far, so we wanted to be careful.”

United trailed 1-0 after Ibrahim Mbaye’s opener inside two minutes for PSG, but Bryan Mbeumo levelled before halftime to earn Carrick’s side a draw.

Carrick said he was encouraged by his side’s performance against the French champions.

“The things that we were trying to get out of the game, a lot of it was there,” the 45-year-old told the club’s television channel.

“It’s good sometimes that the boys have to problem-solve and find their way a little bit. We don’t want to always give them the answers, when we don’t have to.

“It prepares them a little bit for the season as well. In that respect, there are a lot of things people don’t always see that we were quite happy with. There were some good signs there.”

NEWCASTLE DOWN VALENCIA

In another pre-season friendly on Saturday, Newcastle United new coach Matthias Jaissle started his reign with a 2-1 win over Valencia at the Mastella Stadium.

Jaissle endured an early setback when Filip Ugrinic fired Valencia ahead inside four minutes, but Newcastle fought back with substitute Yoane Wissa scoring twice in the second half.

“It was a friendly today. We will not smash the locker room now and celebrate a lot,” Jaissle told reporters.

“We’re quite balanced. We know what it is about. Now it’s pre-season, and we’re still looking to work on it. It’s just a journey.”

The victory was overshadowed by an injury scare for summer signing Anthony Elanga, who was stretchered off after a challenge from Valencia defender Jose Gaya, who was shown a red card.

However, Jaissle said the Sweden international appeared to have escaped a serious injury.

“It seems to be not bad, so we are pleased. I hope it’s true, then he can start again next week,” the 38-year-old said.

“I was in fear, definitely, but now I’m more relaxed as the medical department is showing almost green lights, and there’s nothing serious.”

Published in Dawn, August 10th, 2026