Troy Deeney has taken issue with Bradley Barcola's comments about Ligue 1 and the Premier League, criticizing his early performances for Liverpool under Andoni Iraola
Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola celebrate Liverpool's winner against Brentford.
Alexander Isak and Bradley Barcola celebrate Liverpool's winner against Brentford.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Troy Deeney has bizarrely taken issue with Bradley Barcola's suggestion that Ligue 1 is "more tactical" than the Premier League as he gets used to the demands of playing for Andoni Iraola at Liverpool.
Barcola, speaking ahead of the Reds' 2-1 win at Brentford this weekend, said that he is still adapting to the physical demands, and that it is "very different" playing in England compared to being coached by Luis Enrique.
But Deeney was not impressed. The ex-Watford striker, who now works as a pundit, claimed that Barcola should not be talking about the league until he is performing at a higher level.
"I didn't like his interview where he says the French league's more tactical than the Premier League," Deeney told talkSPORT.
"I was like, 'Steady on fella, you haven't been here long enough to be talking about that'. You're also not playing well enough.
"I know he's got a hat-trick against LASK, but according to my friend Sam Matterface, they've got a bakery in their stadium so that shows how much of a footballing club they are.
Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola.
Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola.(Image: Julian Finney/Getty Images)
"I'm a massive fan of his, but I think he is talking a little bit too early. I think he's getting a little bit above his station.
"I saw Emmanuel Petit saying that no one in France would pay that money for Barcola. I'd be showing him those clips and saying, 'Hey, they don't think you're at that level — go and prove it'."
Barcola, who missed a couple of big chances at the Gtech Community Stadium, was asked about getting cramp in his early time at Liverpool (he is still getting up to full sharpness) and what differences he has noticed so far.
"I am trying to adapt because it is very different to Paris Saint-Germain," Barcola, who has also played for Lyon, said.
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"The Premier League? It is different. I find that it is less tactical. In any case, we (PSG) had a very, very tactical manager (Luis Enrique), but I find that it is less tactical; there are fewer changes on the pitch.
"It is true that, with my former manager, I had to come inside, play down the wing, and someone else would then take my position. But here, it is very different."
Liverpool.com says: Barcola meant no harm with what he said. He was simply asked the question, which is why he was speaking about it. He does need to become more clinical, but his start to life at Liverpool has not been too bad overall.