Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler has expressed his disappointment after the Reds conceded four goals in the second half and lost 4-2 to Leeds United. Fowler claimed that the manner of their loss ruined his trip to Chicago this summer after the two sides faced each other in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, August 2.
Despite missing several key senior stars, Andoni Iraola started his Liverpool tenure on a positive note, securing wins over Sunderland (4-2) and Wrexham (1-0) this summer. The Reds also started well against Leeds, taking a 2-0 lead going into half-time after Luke Chambers (7′) and Florian Wirtz (40′) scored one goal apiece.
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However, Leeds were much more aggressive and direct after the break, putting together an impressive comeback. Brenden Aaronson scored in the 60th minute before Dominic Calvert-Lewin leveled the score 11 minutes later. Sean Longstaff made it 3-2 in the 73rd minute, and Calvert-Lewin completed his brace (85′) with a well-taken header to secure a 4-2 win.
Fowler told LFCTV (via The Leeds Press):
“I mean the trip over here to Chicago has been really good, hasn’t it? The players have looked sharp, and it was two positive performances before this one. I thought Liverpool were very good in the first half. And then the second half really came from nowhere, didn’t it?”
“I did not see that coming. That’s ruined my trip. It has been a great tour, but the Liverpool fans at home will be watching this, and I think that second half is what they will remember this tour for.”
He added:
“Leeds got the momentum when Liverpool came out slow, and they never let go. They just wrestled the game away from Liverpool. We didn’t look like scoring. I know there are some young centre-backs in there, but Leeds physically overpowered us for some of those goals. I know it may seem harsh, but fans will remember that game most from the tour. They’ll remember that game and getting hammered in the second half.”
The Reds will aim to bounce back in their next friendly against Monaco on August 9.
“We have to take care more at them” – Dominik Szoboszlai reveals what Liverpool need to improve on the most following 4-2 loss against Leeds
Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai reckons his side need to focus on improving defending set-pieces heading into the 2026-27 Premier League campaign. The Reds conceded two goals from set pieces during their 4-2 loss against Leeds and will aim to iron out similar mistakes as soon as possible.
Following the game, Szoboszlai said, per Liverpool’s official website:
“Now, we know we conceded two goals from set-pieces. We have to take care more at them. Obviously, last season was a season as well where everything started to be really important – corners, long throw-ins – so we really have to take care of it, because I think the next season is going to be the same like last season.”
When asked what they can improve on the most, he added:
“As I say, set-pieces – everybody has to do their job and then we’re not going to concede. Actually, easy as that. We are also human beings, we are going to make mistakes. But from there on, we have to react. I think the reaction is the most important [thing] right now. We’re going to have more games before the season starts, that’s what we have to focus on now.”
Under Arne Slot’s management last season, the Reds struggled both for form and against set pieces as they scraped a fifth-placed finish. They will kick off the new season against Newcastle United on August 23.
Edited by Silas Sud
