Iraola's Liverpool Debut at Anfield Ends in Monaco Loss

Andoni Iraola's inaugural match at Anfield as Liverpool manager ended in a 3-2 defeat to AS Monaco on Sunday. Liverpool initially led with goals from Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz but failed to maintain their advantage, similar to their previous match against Leeds, where they also squandered a two-goal lead.

Monaco equalized through a penalty by Aleksandr Golovin and a goal from Mika Biereth, before Paris Brunner scored the decisive goal. Iraola made 11 substitutions in the second half, giving new signing Victor Munoz his first appearance for Liverpool.

Iraola commented on the performance, noting the team played well in the first half but struggled in the second, stating, "they (Monaco) were much better in the second half." Key players Virgil van Dijk, Alisson Becker, and Cody Gakpo returned to the squad after the World Cup. Liverpool's next match is against Newcastle in the Premier League on August 23.