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Iraola debuts as Liverpool face Sunderland in Nashville friendly

Andoni Iraola takes charge of Liverpool for the first time in a preseason friendly against Sunderland in Nashville. The match marks a new era after Arne Slot's sacking, with Liverpool fielding a blend of youth and experience.

TakeTack Desk 1 days ago
Iraola debuts as Liverpool face Sunderland in Nashville friendly

Iraola debuts as Liverpool face Sunderland in Nashville friendly

The short answer

Liverpool face Sunderland on July 25, 2025, in a preseason friendly at GEODIS Park, Nashville. This is Andoni Iraola's first match as Liverpool manager after replacing Arne Slot. The Reds' lineup features Joe Gomez as captain, with several first-team players absent due to World Cup commitments. Sunderland, who finished seventh last season after returning to the Premier League, are also preparing for the new campaign.

Why it's trending

This is Andoni Iraola's first match as Liverpool manager, generating interest in his tactics and the team's new direction. Additionally, Sunderland's surprising top-flight finish adds intrigue to the friendly.

Andoni Iraola took charge of Liverpool for the first time on Saturday as the Reds faced Sunderland in a preseason friendly at GEODIS Park in Nashville. The match marks the start of a new era after Liverpool sacked Arne Slot at the end of May.

Liverpool's starting XI, confirmed by the club, featured Joe Gomez as captain alongside a mix of youth and experience, including Giorgi Mamardashvili in goal and Harvey Elliott in midfield. Notable absentees include Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson Becker, and Cody Gakpo, who were involved in the recent World Cup, as well as departed star Mohamed Salah.

Sunderland, managed by Régis Le Bris, impressed last season by finishing seventh in the Premier League after promotion. The Black Cats opened their preseason with a 5–1 win over York City.

The match, kicking off at 11 p.m. BST (5 p.m. CDT), was available to stream via ESPN Unlimited in the US and Liverpool's All Red Video service in the UK. It provides an early look at Iraola's high-intensity style, which has drawn comparisons to Jürgen Klopp.

Timeline

  1. Arne Slot sacked by Liverpool

    Liverpool parted ways with manager Arne Slot after a dismal title defense.

  2. Andoni Iraola appointed

    Liverpool hired former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as head coach.

  3. First preseason friendly

    Iraola takes charge of Liverpool for the first time in a friendly against Sunderland in Nashville.

Questions people ask

Why are key Liverpool players missing?

Virgil van Dijk, Alexis Mac Allister, Alisson Becker, Cody Gakpo, and new signing Víctor Muñoz are absent due to their involvement in the recent World Cup. Mohamed Salah also left the club at the end of last season.

How did Sunderland perform last season?

Sunderland finished seventh in the Premier League in their first season back after an eight-year absence, exceeding expectations under Régis Le Bris.

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