Iraola Backs Barcola and Wirtz Amidst Criticism

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has publicly backed underperforming summer signings Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz, stating he has “100 per cent trust” in the duo. The pair, who arrived at Anfield for significant transfer fees, have yet to score this season and faced criticism following Liverpool's recent match against Manchester City.

Speaking ahead of Liverpool's Champions League fixture against LASK in Linz, Iraola acknowledged that both players have experienced ups and downs. "We know their level and we know they will give us good performances," Iraola said. "With Bradley and Flo, they have had good games and bad games this season like everyone else."

Iraola emphasized that judging players solely on statistics can be misleading. "Sometimes we focus only on the numbers," he noted. "The other day, if Lewis Koumas scores the shot that he connects with really well, then it is one assist for Bradley. His performance is exactly the same but we will all say, “Oof, he played really well with an assist”. With Bradley, the other day, he had good situations and we did not finish them. Bradley and Flo are players that I trust 100 per cent."

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard also weighed in on Wirtz's situation, describing him as a "great talent" and suggesting it is too early to write him off. Gerrard commented on his Overlap Daily show, "I wouldn't write him off yet. I think it's too early for that. This lad has great talent in my opinion. He needs help from the manager, the staff around him, and the experienced players."

Iraola's continued faith in Barcola and Wirtz comes at a critical time, with key goal threats Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai currently sidelined due to injury. The absent trio have accounted for nine of Liverpool's twelve goals this season. Iraola provided an update on their return, stating, "They are not far but it is difficult to tell right now. Any of the three have trained with the group and we are taking it day to day. Probably the three of them are not far but it’s gonna be, I don’t know if they will be ready for Brentford or Villarreal or Brighton, I don’t know."

Liverpool's probable team for upcoming matches, according to reports, is expected to be: Alisson; Frimpong, Gomez, Van Dijk, Kerkez; Gravenberch, Nyoni; Ngumoha, Wirtz, Barcola; Koumas, lining up in a 4-3-2-1 formation.