Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 - Source: Getty
Liverpool FC v Atletico de Madrid - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 - Source: Getty
Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has defended Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola amid criticism ahead of the Reds' UEFA Champions League clash against LASK.
Following a subpar display against Manchester City, Liverpool's attack-minded players, mainly Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz, were slammed for their performances in the 3-0 loss at home. With pressure increasing on the big-money signings, fans of the Anfield club are expecting the duo to put on a show when they take on Austrian club LASK away from home in the UCL.
Speaking ahead of the game in a press conference, Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola defended Barcola and Wirtz and claimed he had full trust in the duo. He said (via GOAL):
"With Bradley and Flo, they have had good games and bad games this season like everyone else. We know their level, and we know they will give us good performances. The possibilities are the same."
He then insisted that one moment can change how a player's performance is perceived and gave an example from their recent loss to Man City. He said:
"The other day, if Lewis Koumas scores the shot that he connects with really well, then it is one assist for Bradley. His performance is exactly the same, but we will all say, 'Oof, he played really well with an assist'. Sometimes we focus only on the numbers. With Bradley, the other day, he had good situations, and we did not finish them. Bradley and Flo are players that I trust 100 per cent."
Wirtz, in his 7 appearances across all competitions so far, has only provided one assist and has not scored any goals. Summer signing Barcola has not scored or assisted any goals in his 6 appearances for the Reds so far.
Both players will look to turn things around and contribute for Liverpool as their star attackers Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo are not fit for the UCL clash against LASK.
What's next for Liverpool after their UCL encounter against LASK?
Liverpool will return to Premier League action after their commitments in Europe. They will take on Brentford in the league away from home on October 17th (Saturday).
Following this, they will have 2 home games at Anfield, first a UEFA Champions League clash against Spanish side Villarreal, followed by a PL encounter against PL side Brighton and Hove Albion. They are 9th in the PL table after accumulating 9 points in their 6 league games so far.