Milos Kerkez has spoken out on Bradley Barcola's start in a Liverpool shirt, with the former PSG winger coming in for some criticism after his display against Manchester City
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 09: Bradley Barcola of Liverpool interacts with teammate Milos Kerkez after the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Liverpool FC and Atletico de Madrid at Anfield on September 09, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez(Image: Getty Images)
Milos Kerkez insists Bradley Barcola needs more time to settle in at Liverpool after what has been an underwhelming start for the winger.
Barcola has made six appearances — including four starts — since completing his move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, but is yet to record a goal or assist.
The 24-year-old did arrive late in the transfer window, having not played any minutes for PSG after returning to the club from the World Cup, but concerns have been raised by some fans and pundits after he failed to make an impact in Liverpool’s most recent outing against Manchester City on Sunday.
Questions have been asked about both Barcola and Florian Wirtz’s places in Andoni Iraola’s side following that 3-0 defeat, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher claiming both had been outshone by their less experienced teammates Lewis Koumas and Victor Munoz.
Speaking about how his own relationship is growing with Barcola down the left-hand side, Kerkez insisted it is too early to judge the forward.
“He obviously arrived and has played a few games,” Kerkez said during a press conference ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League game against Austrian side LASK.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 11: Matheus Nunes of Manchester City is put under pressure from Bradley Barcola and Milos Kerkez of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Liverpool FC and Manchester City at Anfield on October 11, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Bradley Barcola has come in for criticism for his performance against Manchester City(Image: Getty Images)
“He needs a bit more time – everyone needs it when they arrive at a club like this. He's a real talent and has shown it at PSG. He has great skills.
“He can help us a lot with scoring goals and going forward. It's just the thing to talk more and build that connection more. He's going to help us get better combinations down the left. I think we are in a good way and obviously I hope it will get better.”
Asked whether those “talks” were both on and off the pitch with Barcola, Kerkez replied: “Yes, definitely.
“You have to help a new player also outside of the pitch and adjust in general. It's to get to know him better and talk outside the pitch and then on the pitch we have to communicate a lot.”
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Kerkez has of course been reunited with his former Bournemouth boss Iraola at Anfield this season, with the Hungarian starting to feel more at home now on Merseyside.
“I think it's just the style we're playing right now,” Kerkez said on Iraola’s impact so far.
“We're running a lot and playing more aggressive and more front-footed. All the players are buying into his philosophy. Of course, there is still a way to go and a way to improve. But like I said before, I think we are on the right track.”
He added: “It's my second year. I think I was adapting more last season after a new year... it's good. It's all development. Obviously the gaffer is here now that I knew for a long time at Bournemouth. I feel a lot more easy.