Liverpool Wins Opener Despite Joe Gomez Injury

London. Andoni Iraola's training saw Liverpool start their journey with a win. 

With goals from Kieran Matthew Morrison, Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa, and Luis Kuماس, Liverpool defeated Sunderland 4-2. 

Despite the win, the start of Iraola's tenure was not smooth. 

Joe Gomez, who entered the field as center-back and team captain, had to leave the field injured in the eighth minute of the game. Liverpool did not field new defender Jérémy Jacquet in the first friendly match of their US tour. 

'Perhaps the saddest news was Joe Gomez's injury,' said coach Iraola. 'We were happy because no players were injured during training, but unfortunately, we had to lose Joe at the very beginning.' 

Regarding Jérémy Jacquet, Iraola stated that the decision was made to give him some rest. He clarified that Jacquet has been out of the field for a long time and is currently training well, but they will not rush him. 'He will probably play in the last match of this tour and he will get enough time,' Iraola added. 

After the Netherlands' journey in the World Cup, Virgil van Dijk was given further rest, so two 18-year-old center-backs managed the defense until the 68th minute. Debutant 18-year-old Mor Talla Ndiaye and 18-year-old Ifeanyi Ndukwe performed commendably even in difficult circumstances. 

However, neither player can be expected to be immediately included in the regular team. On the other hand, 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni is still limited to individual training as he recovers from a serious injury. 

Earlier this week, Iraola had stated that his team's defense was very weak. Liverpool's game director Richard Hughes was also present in Nashville to watch the match. After Gomez was injured and left the field, the team's lack of experienced center-backs became even clearer.