Iraola backs Barcola and urges a broader view than the statistics

“We are too focused on statistics,” Andoni Iraola said as he defended Bradley Barcola. The Liverpool forward is enduring a difficult start, but his coach does not believe his contribution should be judged only by goals and assists. On Tuesday, ahead of the match against Linz, Iraola reiterated that he had “100% confidence” in him.

Barcola joined Liverpool late in the summer transfer window for a fee estimated at 145 million euros, including bonuses. He has yet to score or provide an assist in six appearances for the club. His latest outing ended in a 3-0 league defeat to Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday. Barcola has also begun to face criticism in England amid his difficult start.

Iraola pointed to what the forward can offer beyond the numbers. “The other day, if Lewis Koumas scores, that’s an assist for Bradley Barcola. He’s a good player, he plays well, he produces a lot. Sometimes we focus too much on those statistics (goals or assists),” he said at a press conference.

The coach acknowledged that chances had gone unfinished in the previous match, while maintaining his confidence in Barcola and “Flo”. “These are two players whose level we know, and they will put in good performances for sure. I was pleased with a lot of things the other day with Bradley. We had good opportunities, but we didn’t finish them. But he and ‘Flo’ are two players I have 100% confidence in,” Iraola stressed.

In his view, more playing time should help Barcola build his understanding with those around him. “Bradley is the one who arrived most recently. The more he plays, the more connections he’ll have with the players around him and the better he’ll be, yes,” Iraola added.

Florian Wirtz is also finding it difficult to establish himself in Liverpool’s attack. Last season, he scored 7 goals and provided 10 assists in 49 matches; this season, he has yet to score or assist in 7 matches.