Iraola Starts With a Win as Gomez Injury Clouds Liverpool Victory
Andoni Iraola began his Liverpool tenure with a 4-2 pre-season win over Sunderland, but Joe Gomez's injury was the major concern. Iraola also outlined a cautious return plan for new signing Jacquet amid limited defensive options.
By 7MTHScore StaffLiverpool beat Sunderland 4-2 in a pre-season friendly in the early hours of today, giving new head coach Andoni Iraola a winning start on his debut. However, Joe Gomez was forced off injured, casting a shadow over the victory.
Speaking to Liverpool's official television channel after the match, Iraola said: “The worst news is Joe Gomez's injury. We had been very happy because no one had been injured in training, but unfortunately we have lost him straight away.”
On new signing Jacquet, Iraola said the club were taking a cautious approach: “We haven't played for several months. He has performed very well in training, but we will ease him back gradually. He may feature in the final match of this tour of the United States, when there will be an opportunity for him to get some minutes.”
Iraola acknowledged that Liverpool are currently short of options in defence. Konaté joined Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer, while centre-back Leoni is still recovering after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament last September. Captain Virgil van Dijk is due to report back next week, but he will not join Liverpool's trip to the United States and will instead begin his training programme at the club's training centre.