Under fire from critics: Liverpool collapse against Leeds in their first test

Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, suffered a shock heavy defeat to Leeds United in a pre-season friendly that exposed clear gaps in the team's defensive organization ahead of the start of the official season.

The Reds looked well below their usual level throughout both halves, struggling badly to contain Leeds's quick counter-attacks, which produced several consecutive goals that unsettled the coaching staff's plans.

Although the match was a friendly with no official stakes, the scale of the defeat sparked a wave of criticism in the English media, with questions raised over how prepared the team is for a season in which it aims to compete for major honours.

Iraola is expected to use the remaining weeks before the season starts to address the shortcomings exposed in this match, with a particular focus on improving the team's defensive balance.