Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Michael Owen says there’s a sad reality Liverpool fans need to realise about Andoni Iraola
Michael Owen says there’s a sad reality Liverpool fans need to realise about Andoni Iraola
One scary stat proves just how undercooked Liverpool's attacking options are against Man City
One scary stat proves just how undercooked Liverpool's attacking options are against Man City
Steven Gerrard names the best player in the current Liverpool squad and declares Jeremy Jacquet 'love'
Steven Gerrard names the best player in the current Liverpool squad and declares Jeremy Jacquet 'love'
Bradley Barcola has just told Andoni Iraola exactly where he wants to play for Liverpool v Man City
Bradley Barcola has just told Andoni Iraola exactly where he wants to play for Liverpool v Man City
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Manchester City
Liverpool Predicted XI vs Manchester City
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Gaspafotos/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Alfie Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images
Photo by David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images
“He asks me to do what I can do, to play as usual, so I can play on the left and on the right,” Barcola said of Iraola.
“It’s true that I prefer to play on the left, but it doesn’t bother me to play on the right, so there’s no problem with that and I try to be ready to play left or right.”
Barcola says he’s adapting more and more
There have been some initial concerns over Barcola’s early performances for Liverpool, with the former PSG man yet to either score or assist in five appearances. But after he missed most of pre-season with his old club, it was always going to take him some time to adapt.
Happily, Barcola has claimed that he is now getting more and more comfortable with his new club, as well as the demands of playing in the Premier League.
“Yes, I feel comfortable,” he said. “At the beginning, I had to adapt and now I feel that I’m adapting more and more. So, I’m very happy to start ahead and I hope to be even better on the pitch.”
“I think it’s very intense. It’s very different from Ligue 1. But yes, you have to work hard to be ready for a lot of running and that’s what I try to do in training to be prepared for every match.”
Without Isak and Gakpo, Liverpool are going to need someone to step up and provide inspiration for them on a big day against City. Now would be a good time for Barcola to do that and score his first goal for the Reds, whichever position he starts the game playing.