Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola discussed the display of Bradley Barcola after he came off the bench for his Reds debut on Friday night
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool applauds the fans (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola of Liverpool applauds the fans (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola admits Liverpool will have to be patient with Bradley Barcola after the France international made his Reds debut off the bench in their 2-0 victory at Ipswich Town.
The forward completed a £123m move from Paris Saint-Germain at the start of the week following a lengthy transfer saga, and was introduced in the 64th minute at Portman Road as Liverpool clinched their first win of the season.
Supporters quickly serenaded Barcola with a new chant, reusing an old-favourite previously in honour of Maxi Rodriguez.
But despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Iraola urged fans to be patient with the Reds’ latest signing as he offered a reminder that Barcola’s appearance against Ipswich actually marked his first outing since the World Cup.
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“I think Bradley hasn’t played a single minute since the World Cup so we needed to be careful,” he said. “I have seen him training well, in a good place. I think he has helped us.
“Probably, we haven’t found him in a couple of situations where he was going against the keeper. We haven’t really seen his movement.
“He had a very good counter with a pass inside which Cody finished but we didn’t score. He was always a threat. When he carries the ball, I think you can feel this threat.
“I’m happy because I think 30 minutes is going to be good for his fitness and his build-up. It will continue because we play a lot of games so he will have the chance to play more.
“I think it’s normal (that we need to be patient). He hasn’t played any pre-season minutes. I think he is still in a good place.
“I do not think he will need a special build-up but we have to be aware that he hasn’t played in a while. The demands of the games are always very different to training and we have to be aware of this.”
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