Iraola singles out Frimpong and two new centre-backs after Liverpool seal clean-sheet pre-season win

Liverpool closed their pre-season campaign with a 2-0 win over Como on Sunday, and manager Andoni Iraola used his post-match assessment to highlight the performances of new centre-backs Jeremy Jacquet and Ronald Araujo, as well as right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Goals from Cody Gakpo and Jacquet himself — a tap-in before he was replaced at half-time by Araujo — gave the Reds the clean sheet Iraola had been searching for after a difficult tour of the United States that included a 4-2 defeat by Leeds and a 3-2 loss against Monaco.

“Yes, both of them. I think Jeremy played really well. Also Ronald played really well when he came in,” Iraola said of his two new centre-backs. “When you have two new faces, first game for both, they do so well. It was also a very good performance of Jeremie Frimpong, playing 90 minutes as a right-back, helping us offensively but closing very well his side also. So, some good performances at the back.”

The defensive options available to Iraola had been severely stretched throughout pre-season. Virgil van Dijk was given a break following the World Cup, Joe Gomez was ruled out early, Jacquet was not yet ready after injury, and Giovanni Leoni continues to rehabilitate from a long-term knee problem. That forced Iraola to field teenagers Ifeanyi Ndukwe, 18, and Mor Talla Ndiaye, 18, alongside 22-year-old Luke Chambers in earlier friendlies.

With Ibrahima Konate having departed on a free transfer at the end of last season, a starting berth alongside Van Dijk remains open. Jacquet, a £55 million signing from Rennes, and Araujo, on loan from Barcelona, are the primary candidates, and Sunday’s display gave Iraola encouraging early evidence from both.

“I think we need a little bit this feeling of finishing with a clean sheet, winning the game,” the Liverpool manager added. “Still, the first half has been better than the second, but at least we kept our organisation, our composure and we found a way to finish with a clean sheet, 2-0. I think we needed this feeling before we start.”

Liverpool open their 2026/27 Premier League season at Newcastle’s St James’ Park on Sunday with questions still surrounding their squad. Iraola has been candid about the need for further reinforcements, particularly in wide attacking areas, and a move for Paris Saint-Germain forward Bradley Barcola is reported to remain under consideration.