Iraola backs Barcola, Wirtz to come good for Liverpool

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has expressed confidence in the ability of new signings Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola to perform well for the club, despite their underwhelming starts to careers at Anfield. Wirtz, who joined Liverpool last year in a deal that reportedly could rise to £116 million ($153 million), has struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League, scoring just seven times in 56 appearances.

Barcola, a £123 million (US$163 million) transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, has yet to score or assist for his new club in six games. Iraola, however, remains optimistic about the pair's potential, stating, "They've had good games and bad games this season, like everyone else, but they are two players that we know their level and they will give us good performances."

He praised Barcola's performance in a recent match against Manchester City, believing it would have been viewed differently had Lewis Koumas scored from Barcola's pass. Iraola emphasized his trust in both players, stating, "I was happy with a lot of things the other day with Bradley, he had good situations, we just didn't finish them."

With Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai sidelined by injury, Iraola expressed hope that the trio will be available for upcoming matches, including a trip to Austria against LASK.