Iraola Explains Barcola’s Wing Switch in Liverpool’s Fulham Draw
Andoni Iraola has insisted Bradley Barcola will be used on both wings this season after the French forward made his full Premier League debut on the left at Anfield.
Barcola had operated from the right in the midweek European win over Atletico Madrid, but Iraola changed his position for the league fixture. The manager said the switch was part of a wider plan to rotate all four wide players according to opposition, tactical balance and defensive duties.
Barcola building fitness
- Barcola featured on the right against Atletico Madrid before moving to the opposite flank for his first Premier League start.
- He created a promising moment by arriving at the far post, although his effort was blocked.
- Iraola said the winger is still working towards full match fitness after receiving no pre-season minutes.
- The coach felt Barcola lasted longer than he had three days earlier against Atletico and expects his confidence and influence to grow with further appearances.
Iraola said none of his wingers will be permanently assigned to one side. He believes the squad had been viewed as containing more natural left-sided options before the campaign, but said every wide player has already been deployed on each flank.
The manager will decide Barcola’s position from match to match, based on where Liverpool can hurt opponents most and what work is required without the ball.
Endo remains in the plans
Wataru Endo has also had a disrupted build-up after missing a significant part of pre-season, leaving him short of his best condition as competition increases in midfield.
Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are among the players currently receiving minutes ahead of the Japan international. Iraola nevertheless stressed that Endo is training well, is a player he values and will have opportunities when the schedule becomes more demanding.
Anfield response
Despite the goalless home draw, Iraola rejected any suggestion that the Anfield atmosphere is holding the side back. He said he had not sensed a crowd issue either in the Atletico Madrid match or the latest league game.
The manager remains convinced Liverpool’s supporters will respond if the team produces the required intensity, adding that the reasons for the result must be found on the pitch rather than outside it.
