Iraola praises Barcola and Wirtz and offers reassurance over Jacquet

Iraola praised the impact of Barcola and Wirtz after Liverpool’s 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK in Austria. The evening also brought concern over Jacquet’s departure, and the coach sought to reassure supporters about the defender.

Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick, while Florian Wirtz helped create the opening goal. Liverpool’s dominance was reflected in 26 shots. In another notable moment, Lewis Koumas became the second player aged 21 or under to score and provide an assist in the same Champions League match for Liverpool, after Steven Gerrard.

Andoni Iraola expressed his satisfaction with the pair: « I’m very happy for Bradley. You asked me yesterday why he and Florian weren’t playing; they put in a superb performance and made the difference. » He also described Barcola as a constant threat with runs in behind the defence, and praised Wirtz’s work in possession and movement.

Jacquet asked to come off with half an hour remaining, and Virgil van Dijk replaced him. There was concern that Jacquet’s recent injury, sustained during the last international break, might have returned. Iraola said the substitutions of Jacquet and Ronald Araújo were precautions because of the demanding schedule, not signs of new injuries.