Liverpool Embraces Iraola Era with Araujo's Sharp Training Session

The AXA Training Centre felt a little different. A new voice, a new defensive leader, and the clock very loudly ticking towards St James’ Park.

With only two pre-season games left — both against Como at Anfield on Sunday — Andoni Iraola put his Liverpool squad through a sharp session that offered a first real glimpse of what his side might look like when the Premier League starts in 11 days’ time.

Araujo straight into the thick of it

Ronald Araujo didn’t ease his way in.

Liverpool’s new centre-back, fresh from Barcelona and already battle-hardened by their pre-season, took a full part in training and looked every inch the ready-made addition Iraola needs. The Uruguayan arrives with rhythm in his legs and a reputation for relishing duels; Liverpool will want both from day one.

He is expected to make his unofficial debut in one of the two friendlies against Como, most likely alongside Virgil van Dijk. If all goes to plan, that partnership could be rolled straight into the opening weekend at Newcastle.

Araujo is still learning the surroundings and the voices around him, but this is not a kid being thrown in. At 25, with big nights at Barcelona behind him, he has the experience to adapt quickly — exactly what Iraola requires with the season looming.

Defensive reinforcements take shape

Araujo wasn’t the only defender of interest.

Jeremy Jacquet, who has yet to feature in any of Liverpool’s pre-season fixtures, stepped back onto the grass and joined the main group. It was a significant step after Iraola revealed last weekend that the Frenchman was closing in on a return and could feature against Como.

That remains the target. Jacquet was reportedly close to involvement on the US tour, and this latest session underlined that his comeback is now within reach.

Not everyone is there yet. Giovanni Leoni and Stefan Bajcetic watched on from exercise bikes at the side of the pitch, still stuck in the frustrating phase of rehab where others are accelerating towards match fitness. Their returns are expected to take a few more weeks, leaving Iraola to juggle his options in the early part of the campaign.

Curtis Jones back in the mix

There was better news in midfield.

Curtis Jones, who missed the defeat to AS Monaco at Anfield with a minor issue, rejoined the group and looked ready to push for minutes against Como. His availability is a timely boost for Iraola, who wants as many settled options as possible before the trip to Newcastle.

Jones’ future still carries a subplot. Inter Milan remain interested, but the Serie A side has yet to produce an offer Liverpool consider acceptable. Iraola has already been clear: he wants the 25-year-old to stay. The complication is the clock on Jones’ contract, which runs out next summer.

That tension — between immediate sporting value and long-term planning — hangs over the final weeks of the window. Liverpool still have work to do in the market, and Jones’ situation sits inside that wider puzzle.

Iraola’s window on the training ground

Alexis Mac Allister’s return from his post-World Cup holiday means Iraola now has virtually his full squad on the grass, aside from the injured group. For a new manager, that is gold dust.

The opening-day trip to St James’ Park is now just 11 days away. After that, the schedule will quickly thicken, with two games a week kicking in after the first international break. These full training weeks, right now, are Iraola’s best chance to stamp his ideas onto a group still adjusting to his demands.

Liverpool are not alone in scrambling to fine-tune before the season begins — even Manchester City have changed managers — but the margin for error at the top is tiny.

Two friendlies, one new defensive leader, a handful of returning players, and a manager racing the calendar. How quickly this group absorbs Iraola’s blueprint may define Liverpool’s start to 2026/27.