Brief

Iraola defends Liverpool signings Wirtz and Barcola amid criticism

Iraola says the new signings will deliver, even as injuries to Isak, Gakpo and Szoboszlai increase pressure.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:32:46 GMT

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola said he has "100 per cent" trust in recent signings Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, despite growing criticism from fans and media.

The criticism has intensified after injuries sidelined the club's three leading scorers this season – Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai – leaving the squad thin and increasing reliance on the new arrivals.

Wirtz, bought for a reported £116 million, has completed a full season with Liverpool but has yet to justify his price tag, according to the Independent. In the recent Premier League clash against Manchester City, he struggled to influence the game even when Liverpool were on the front foot.

Barcola, who arrived later in the summer transfer window, has made six appearances but has shown limited confidence and has not yet made a decisive contribution, the article notes.

Iraola acknowledged the missing trio will be unavailable for the upcoming Champions League tie in Austria against LASK and expressed uncertainty over their availability for the next three league matches against Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton.

"It’s true Cody, Alex and Dom are top scorers this season as they are the ones playing more in those positions," the Liverpool boss told the Independent. "We need our players to give us those numbers, we trust the players we have now to play in those positions. Bradley and Flo have had good and bad games this season like everyone else but we know their level and for sure we know they will give us good performances. At the end the responsibilities are the same. Sometimes we are too focused on just the numbers. I was happy with a lot of things the other day, Bradley had good situations, we didn’t finish them but him and Flo also are players I trust 100 per cent."

Key facts

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola says he trusts Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola 100 percent. (independent.co.uk)
Injuries have sidelined Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai this season. (independent.co.uk)
Wirtz was signed for a reported £116 million and has yet to meet that valuation. (independent.co.uk)
Barcola has made six appearances without a major impact. (independent.co.uk)
The injured trio will miss Liverpool's Champions League match against LASK in Austria. (independent.co.uk)