Liverpool have begun final preparations for their Champions League opener against Atletico Madrid at Anfield, with Andoni Iraola’s squad due on the training pitch and the head coach set to face the media today. Dominik Szoboszlai has also spoken about his new leadership responsibilities while Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have been recognised for their performances at Ipswich.
Atletico preparations step up
Liverpool host Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Wednesday night in their opening Champions League league-phase fixture of the 2026-27 season.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST on Wednesday, September 9 – 4.30am Thursday in Adelaide.
Liverpool’s first-team squad is due to train at the AXA Training Centre today before Iraola holds his pre-match press conference. Any fresh injury or availability news is therefore expected later in the day rather than being confirmed at the time of this brief. (Liverpool FC)
The Reds enter the match after recording their first Premier League win of the season with Friday’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town.
Szoboszlai enjoying vice-captaincy role
Dominik Szoboszlai says he is enjoying the added responsibility of being one of Liverpool’s vice-captains.
Iraola named Szoboszlai, Alisson Becker and Joe Gomez as deputies to captain Virgil van Dijk ahead of the new season following Andy Robertson’s departure.
Szoboszlai signed a new long-term Liverpool contract in July and said he feels ready to take on a greater leadership role during his fourth season at the club.
The Hungary captain also spoke positively about Iraola’s direct and intense playing style, saying the approach suits the way he wants to play. (Liverpool FC)
Isak and Gakpo nominated after Ipswich display
Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo have both been nominated for the Premier League Player of the Matchweek award.
The pair combined for both Liverpool goals in the 2-0 win at Ipswich. Gakpo provided both assists as Isak scored twice inside the opening nine minutes at Portman Road.
Isak and Gakpo are on a six-player shortlist alongside Gianluigi Donnarumma, Tyrique George, Martin Odegaard and Tyrick Mitchell. (Liverpool FC)
The performance continued an encouraging early-season combination between Liverpool’s two forwards as Iraola looks to build momentum after taking five points from the opening three Premier League matches.
Endemann reflects on winning Liverpool debut
Vivien Endemann has spoken about the importance of Liverpool FC Women’s strong start to the Women’s Super League season following Sunday’s 4-0 victory over Charlton Athletic.
Endemann scored and provided an assist on her competitive Liverpool debut and was named Player of the Match.
Captain Grace Fisk scored twice while Cornelia Kapocs converted a late penalty as Gareth Taylor’s side opened the season with three points and a clean sheet.
Liverpool Women return to St Helens Stadium on Sunday to face Tottenham Hotspur in their first home league fixture of the campaign. (Liverpool FC)
Four future WSL matches have also been selected for television coverage, including fixtures against Manchester United, Aston Villa, London City Lionesses and West Ham United. (Liverpool FC)
Figueroa makes professional debut
Academy forward Keyrol Figueroa made his professional club debut while on loan at Port Vale over the weekend.
Figueroa came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of Port Vale’s 1-0 League Two defeat at Salford City.
Seven other Liverpool loanees also featured for their temporary clubs. Harvey Elliott made his Valencia debut from the bench against Barcelona while Armin Pecsi and Kornel Misciur both kept clean sheets.
Kieran Morrison was involved in both Sheffield Wednesday goals in their 2-1 League One victory over Peterborough United. (LFC Beta)
There were no significant new first-team transfer or contract developments reported by Liverpool or leading reliable national sources in the past 24 hours.
Sources: Liverpool FC and Sky Sports. (Liverpool FC)
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