Liverpool coach Andoni IraIra reiterated this Tuesday his complete confidence in two of the club's most expensive signings, BradleyBarcola and FlorianWirtz, after the press and fans criticized their performances in the Champions League. The message came just before the Anfield team faces LASK Linz on the second day of the group stage of the European tournament.
Barcola, signed at the end of the summer transfer window for 145 million euros in total, has yet to score or register an assist in the six games he has played for Liverpool. The last match was a tough 0‑3 defeat against Manchester City at Anfield. IraIra noted that, although the French forward has not contributed with goals or assists, “he plays well and contributes a lot” and that “sometimes we focus too much on those statistics.” The Basque coach added that, if Lewis Koumas had scored, it would have been an assist for Barcola, stressing that the player's assessment must go beyond the numbers.
Wirtz, who joined the club in the summer of 2025, has also had difficulty establishing himself in the squad. Last season he scored seven goals and gave ten assists in 49 games, but this season he has not scored or assisted in seven games. IraIra commented that, although the German and the French “are two players whose level we know and who will undoubtedly perform well,” he still needs that “the more he plays, the better he will get along with his teammates and improve.” The coach emphasized that confidence in both players is complete and that the experience and talent of Barcola and Wirtz are valuable assets for the team.
Liverpool also face problems in their forward line, as AlexanderIsak, CodyGakpo and DominikSzoboszlai will not be able to play in the upcoming match against LASK Linz. The three players have trained with the group, but the coach continues to evaluate their physical condition and availability. Additionally, French striker HugoEkitiké is out of action after rupturing his Achilles tendon in April, despite being the club's top scorer last season with 17 goals in all competitions.
In order to strengthen the attack and overcome criticism, Liverpool will have to rely on the adaptation of Barcola and Wirtz, while the rest of the group waits for the recovery of Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai. The upcoming match against LASK Linz will be crucial to show if IraIra's confidence in its new signings translates into positive results and if the team can maintain its position in the group stage of the Champions League.