‘I Trust Them 100%’ — Iraola Defends Wirtz, Barcola Amid Slow Starts At Anfield
Retold by Oddsrama · 13 October 2026
Liverpool's manager Andoni Iraola has moved to shield two of the club's marquee signings from mounting criticism after a frustrating start to their Anfield careers. German winger Florian Wirtz, who arrived for £116 million last summer, and French forward Bradley Barcola, acquired from PSG for £123 million plus add-ons, have both struggled to deliver the attacking firepower expected at a club of Liverpool's stature. Ahead of Wednesday's Champions League clash against LASK, Iraola made it clear he's backing both players to come good.
Wirtz, 23, has yet to reach double figures in Premier League goal contributions, a concerning return for a player of his pedigree. Barcola's situation is even more stark—the 24-year-old has failed to register a single goal or assist since joining the Reds, a worrying statistic for a player inherited the responsibility of following in Mohamed Salah's considerable shadow. The pressure has clearly mounted, with pundits and supporters questioning whether the club's heavy investment in both men will pay off.
Iraola, however, isn't buying into the narrative of panic. He argued that focusing purely on statistics misses the bigger picture, pointing to promising signs in recent performances even when the finishing hasn't materialised. The Spanish boss made clear his absolute confidence in both players, suggesting it's only a matter of time before their quality shines through. For betting purposes, this kind of managerial backing often signals patience rather than panic—suggesting the club won't be making drastic changes in the short term. With European football now in focus, Wednesday's match presents an ideal opportunity for Wirtz and Barcola to build momentum ahead of a demanding fixture list.
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