Iraola backs Wirtz and Barcola amid growing scrutiny
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has moved to defend Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola after their difficult starts to the season, insisting he has complete faith in the pair despite mounting criticism.
Sky Sports reports that the two big-money signings have come under fire, with Jamie Carragher among those calling for Wirtz to be dropped following another underwhelming display in the recent defeat (Sky Sports). The Guardian confirms Iraola said he trusts the duo "100%", though the manager also stressed that "we need other players to give us those numbers", pointing to the wider squad needing to step up rather than placing all the blame on Wirtz and Barcola (The Guardian). The Guardian adds that the comments came as Liverpool prepared to face Lask in Austria without Isak and Gakpo (The Guardian). Liverpool.com echoes this, saying Iraola has done his best to play down concerns over the pair's form this season (Liverpool.com).
Elsewhere, the scrutiny on Barcola specifically continues to build. Liverpool.com reports that former Reds forward Michael Owen believes Barcola could face "questions" over his performances if things don't improve drastically (Liverpool.com), while the Liverpool Echo notes a "damning" price tag claim has emerged about the winger, alongside suggestions Wirtz could even be tipped for a transfer away (Liverpool Echo).
Not everyone is sounding the alarm, however. Liverpool.com reports that teammate Milos Kerkez has spoken up for Barcola, giving his verdict on the winger's start and revealing he's had conversations with him following criticism after the Manchester City game (Liverpool.com). Liverpool.com also notes that training hints have dropped ahead of the Lask match, suggesting possible clues about how Iraola plans to use both players going forward (Liverpool.com).
The Liverpool Echo frames the upcoming Champions League trip to Lask as a chance for Barcola to "kick start" his season, acknowledging he remains "a long way" from matching his Champions League-winning pedigree from before his £123m move (Liverpool Echo).
Taken together, the outlets broadly agree that Wirtz and Barcola are under pressure after a rocky opening to the campaign, and that Iraola is publicly backing them while asking more of the rest of the squad. Where they differ is in tone: Sky Sports and the Echo highlight external criticism and transfer speculation, while Liverpool.com's reporting - including Kerkez's supportive comments - presents a slightly more reassuring picture from inside the camp.
Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.