Iraola backs Wirtz and Barcola as Liverpool pair face scrutiny

Andoni Iraola has backed Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola to deliver for Liverpool despite criticism of their performances ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League trip to LASK.

The Liverpool head coach expressed complete confidence in the pair after Sunday’s defeat by Manchester City, arguing that their contributions should be assessed beyond goals and assists.

Liverpool remain without Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai, increasing the responsibility on their available attacking players.

Iraola backs Wirtz and Barcola

Speaking before the trip to Austria, Iraola acknowledged that both players had produced inconsistent performances but insisted he remained confident in their quality.

“Sometimes we are too focused on just the numbers,” he said.

The Liverpool boss highlighted promising situations involving Barcola against City that did not result in goals, suggesting the assessment of his performance could have been different had those opportunities been converted.

Iraola also pointed to Wirtz’s recent performances for Germany and said he preferred to judge how the pair helped the team collectively.

Liverpool changes expected against LASK

Iraola’s backing comes as he considers changes for the 5.45pm BST kick-off in Linz.

Liverpool’s official team-news update confirmed that freshness and minor fitness concerns could prevent him from selecting the same starting XI.

The manager could not give firm return dates for Isak, Gakpo or Szoboszlai, with their recoveries being assessed daily.

Liverpool travel to Brentford on Saturday before hosting Villarreal in their next Champions League fixture.

For Wirtz and Barcola, Wednesday offers another opportunity to turn their manager’s confidence into a decisive contribution.