Iraola backs Wirtz and Barcola before LASK match

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola said he trusts Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola to produce strong performances, backing the two high-profile signings before the club’s Champions League match against LASK on October 14. Iraola said the players had each shown good and bad form, like others in the squad, and urged attention beyond goals and assists when judging their contributions. His remarks followed Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City and came as the team prepared for its second Champions League group-stage match. The manager pointed to a chance created by Barcola against City, when Lewis Koumas did not convert a pass. Iraola said Barcola’s performance would have been viewed differently had that chance resulted in an assist, arguing that assessments can focus too narrowly on statistics. He said he knew the players’ level and expected them to deliver good performances. Both players had drawn criticism over their starts at Liverpool. Wirtz, who joined the club the previous year, had struggled to make an impact in the Premier League, while Barcola had yet to record a goal or assist for Liverpool in the reports published before the LASK match.