Curtis Jones fumes as Andoni Iraola stamps his authority on Liverpool after win over Wrexham

Last Updated on 30 July 2026

Liverpool beat Wrexham 1-0 at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday, courtesy of a deflected Rio Ngumoha strike.

That result made it two wins from two for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola in pre-season, following a 4-2 victory over Sunderland.

However, not everything looked rosy afterward, as Curtis Jones cut a visibly frustrated figure at full-time.

Curtis Jones’ anger raises familiar questions for Liverpool as Inter Milan circle

Cameras caught Jones waving his arms angrily toward teammates at full-time. He approached Dominik Szoboszlai, before Jeremie Frimpong and Kostas Tsimikas stepped in to calm things down. Fans speculated it stemmed from Szoboszlai receiving the armband instead of him.

This wasn’t an isolated incident either. Jones was also spotted talking heatedly to a couple of younger players following the Sunderland game. Furthermore, he barely celebrated his goal against Brentford, Liverpool’s final match of the 2025/26 campaign at Anfield.

That reaction fuelled exit rumours even then. Given his contract situation, none of this looks coincidental. Jones has just one year remaining on his current deal. Inter Milan have already seen two bids rejected. Liverpool are open to letting him go should Inter meet their valuation.

Therefore, Jones increasingly looks destined for Inter Milan, some believe his girlfriend’s heart is set on Italy. Another improved bid seems inevitable before the window shuts. Given his body language throughout pre-season, few would be surprised if he departed Anfield soon.

Andoni Iraola’s fresh approach already winning fans over

Beyond the Jones drama, Iraola’s early impact looks unmistakable. His Liverpool side pressed aggressively and moved vertically in both wins. That approach mirrors his previous work at Bournemouth closely. Sunderland defender Dan Ballard confirmed this shift himself.

He explained that Slot’s Liverpool gave opponents “a little bit more time on the ball” last season. Iraola’s version presses far more intensely and goes “straight for goal” instead. Against Wrexham, that intensity showed again, despite a youthful, experimental lineup.

Josh Abe and Trey Nyoni both impressed, while Harvey Elliott created several chances. Rio Ngumoha’s late winner capped a spirited overall performance. With most senior stars still to return, excitement continues building around Merseyside.