Andoni Iraola addresses new Liverpool injury concern and makes claim about Leeds defeat

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SportFootballLiverpool FCLiverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has been speaking after the United States tour concluded with defeat against Leeds United on Sunday nightAndoni Iraola believes he has learned more from Liverpool's disappointing friendly defeat against Leeds United than the previous wins over Sunderland and Wrexham.And the Reds head coach has allayed fears of another injury setback for Jeremie Frimpong as he continues to grapple with a lack of options in defence.Goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz put Liverpool into a 2-0 lead against Leeds in Chicago on Sunday evening only for a much-changed side to fall away in dramatic fashion in the second half with a 4-2 loss.It was the first reverse of the Iraola era and meant the Reds missed out to their Yorkshire rivals in winning the latest Premier League Summer Series pre-season competition in the United States.But Iraola refused to downbeat afterwards, and said: "I think we learn a lot of things. Obviously it's not the result you want but I think (it was) probably the most useful friendly we played – in a positive way in the first half and in a negative way in the second half."We've learned a lot from today and I think we can take good conclusions and solve some things."There was an injury scare for Liverpool during the second half when Frimpong, who had started the game, signalled to the bench he had an issue before being immediately substituted.The right-back - who was sidelined on several occasions last season with muscle issues - was spotted pointing to his groin on the touchline, but Iraola said: "Jeremie asked for the sub (but) I don't think it's an injury."It was just some overload and I hope he's not injured in that way.

I don't think we've lost anyone."Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 away kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreLiverpool FC have launched their new away kit for the 2026/27 season.

The kit "combines timeless design with modern performance innovation" and is inspired by its away strips from the 1980s.Wirtz, Alexander Isak and Ryan Gravenberch were all making their first appearances of pre-season after featuring in the World Cup, with the former two playing in the first half while Gravenberch was introduced after half-time."They did really good," said Iraola. Obviously Florian and Alex, because they were playing in the first half, they had an easier game or a better game."Liverpool jetted back to Merseyside straight after the game, which was watched by 49,128 at Chicago's Soldier Field.And of the tour, Iraola said to liverpoolcfc.com: "You can see straight away that this is a massive club (with) all the supporters that we have, even overseas."We want to get ready (for) the start of the season – that is when people want to see us play well and get results."FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!