Monaco defeats "The Reds" in friendly at Anfield
Alexander Isak scored the opening goal for Liverpool in the 16th minute, before Florian Wirtz added a second in the 29th.
Liverpool will play their first Premier League match on the 23rd against visitors Newcastle, while Monaco will play a new friendly on Friday against English side Coventry City. They will then begin their continental campaign, starting with a Europa League playoff match on the 20th, with their opponent to be determined later. In Ligue 1, they will face Le Havre on the 23rd of the same month.
The match held special significance as it was the first home game for Spanish manager Andoni Iraola since taking charge, succeeding the sacked Dutch coach Arne Slot. Iraola had previously led the team in three matches during their US tour, winning 4-2 against Sunderland and 1-0 against Rotherham United, before losing 4-2 to Leeds United after taking a two-goal lead.
Liverpool benefited from the return of captain Virgil van Dijk, goalkeeper Alisson Becker, and striker Cody Gakpo, as well as the first summer appearance of new signing Victor Munoz. Despite clear dominance by the home side, the brilliance of World Cup stars Isak and Wirtz was not enough to secure the victory.
Meanwhile, Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo of Spanish club Barcelona traveled to the English city of Liverpool on Sunday to finalize all details regarding his transfer to the English club during the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that Araujo, 27, will begin a new chapter in his career, traveling to Liverpool to conclude all arrangements. The move is expected to be on a loan basis.
The newspaper clarified that meetings were held last Friday between all parties (Barcelona, Liverpool, and the player’s representatives), with the Catalan club agreeing to loan one of its captains to the English club for the upcoming season.
The agreement includes an option for Liverpool to sign the player permanently after the loan period ends, for a fee of 55 million euros.
For his part, German manager Hansi Flick of Barcelona commented on the departure of Uruguayan defender Ronald Araujo to Liverpool in statements following Barcelona’s participation in the Udine friendly tournament on Saturday. He said, “I wish Araujo the best of luck.”
He added, “He is strong and fast, and it is unfortunate that I cannot play him as much as I would like. He has been affected by mistakes he made in the past.” He continued, “We spoke together, I saw him working hard today, he is happy, and I wish him the best. Changes are natural in the world of football.”
Regarding rumors of the Uruguayan defender’s departure, Flick said, “There is a lot of noise around this. We know what he wants, and we want to develop the team. We are very calm. Many players will arrive next week, and the pre-season preparation is not normal because time is very tight.”
