Iraola backs Barcola as winger opens up ahead of Man City clash
Andoni Iraola has moved to defend Bradley Barcola amid criticism of his form, just as the Frenchman himself opens up about his first months at Anfield ahead of Liverpool's big test against Manchester City.
ESPN reports that Iraola "rejected suggestions" Barcola was struggling for form after the forward faced criticism for his performances with France (ESPN). This Is Anfield echoes that defence, quoting the head coach as saying "I don't care" when dismissing doubts over Barcola's finishing (This Is Anfield).
Barcola himself has also been speaking publicly. This Is Anfield reports he explained why he is "getting cramps" since his move to Liverpool (This Is Anfield), while LiverpoolFC.com's interview covers his adaptation to the club, the challenge of facing Manchester City, and his impressions of Iraola's "intensity" (LiverpoolFC.com).
On team news, the Liverpool Echo says Barcola "drops Liverpool selection hint" for the Manchester City game and makes a "very different" admission about his experience at the club (Liverpool Echo). Liverpool.com adds more detail here, reporting that Iraola has hinted he could use one of his wingers up front in place of Alexander Isak, with Barcola potentially in line for that role (Liverpool.com).
Taken together, the picture from these outlets is of a player under some scrutiny after mixed performances for his country, but who is receiving public backing from his manager while also discussing his settling-in process at Liverpool. There's also a selection subplot building, with suggestions Barcola could be deployed centrally against Manchester City if Isak is unavailable or if Iraola opts for a change up front.
None of the reports contradict each other directly - rather they build a fuller picture: criticism from his France exploits (ESPN), Iraola's dismissive response to finishing doubts (This Is Anfield), Barcola's own comments on cramps and adaptation (This Is Anfield) (LiverpoolFC.com), and the selection intrigue before the Manchester City fixture (Liverpool Echo) (Liverpool.com).
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.
