Andoni Iraola was pleased with the goals that Bradley Barcola scored and the performance that Florian Wirtz produced as Liverpool hammered LASK 6-3 in the Champions League
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a Champions League press conference.
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola during a Champions League press conference.(Image: Jasmin Walter - UEFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola was delighted with the performances of Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz as his side demolished LASK in the Champions League.
Barcola, signed from PSG this summer, scored a hat-trick and ran riot in Austria, with Wirtz setting up his first and producing a much-improved display, especially in the first 45 minutes.
LASK netted three goals in the final third of the match but the scoreline could have been far greater for Liverpool, who completely dominated the majority of the contest, taking 26 shots at goal in total.
"I’m really happy for Bradley," Iraola said post-match. "You were asking me yesterday about him not making the numbers, and also Florian [Wirtz].
"Both of them played really really well. They made the difference. Bradley, apart from the hat-trick, I think he was always a threat, one versus one, threatening in behind. I’m happy for both of them.
"I think for their confidence for sure, it’s very good. I think they feel that we can trust them a lot. But at the end, enjoy a little bit playing in the Champions League away. It’s going to be very good for them."
Bradley Barcola celebrates with Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha after scoring for Liverpool against LASK.
Bradley Barcola celebrates with Florian Wirtz and Rio Ngumoha after scoring for Liverpool against LASK.(Image: Marco Steinbrenner/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Iraola added: "I think (Barcola) played so well today and not just the goals. He had more chances to score, he was always a threat attacking the spaces in behind.
"In training sometimes you feel when a player is in the zone, and fortunately tonight for us he has shown the level that he has.
"I think (Wirtz) was amazing in possession. I think he had lively passes, good assists, he helped us to control the game.
"Especially in the first half where he was roaming around and finding good spots. It was a good game from Florian."
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Barcola and Wirtz were not the only ones to impress as Liverpool ran riot at the Raiffeisen Arena. Rio Ngumoha was also electric at times, with Lewis Koumas starring too.
"Yes Reds! A great win away," Koumas said on a video for club media. "Important to bounce back from the last game and buzzing to get on the scoresheet in the Champions League. See you soon."
By scoring and assisting for Liverpool, the Wales forward became just the second Reds man aged 21 or under to do both in a Champions League game after Steven Gerrard.