Iraola Backs Barcola to Lead Liverpool Attack Against Manchester City

Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has backed Bradley Barcola to play a decisive role against Manchester City after injuries to Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo further reduced his attacking options. The pair have been ruled out of Sunday’s Anfield meeting, leaving Barcola in contention to lead or join the central forward line against the Premier League leaders.

Barcola faces renewed scrutiny after France outing

Barcola arrives back from international duty following France’s 4-1 Nations League win over Belgium on Monday, a result that did not spare him criticism over his own contribution. The 24-year-old registered two attempts and created one opportunity, with attention centred on his finishing and end product in attacking areas.

Iraola rejected the suggestion that the winger is experiencing a poor spell, arguing that attackers are too often assessed only by whether they score.

• The Liverpool manager said Barcola had produced several clear openings in the match against Atletico Madrid, even though he did not convert them.
• He stressed that consistently reaching scoring positions was an encouraging sign rather than a concern.
• Iraola also noted that Barcola had found promising opportunities during his France involvement, despite failing to score against Belgium.

The coach’s view is that Barcola must continue to make those runs and arrive in dangerous areas, with goals expected to follow if the chances keep coming.

Central role possible against Manchester City

Isak and Gakpo’s absences could require a reshaped Liverpool attack on Sunday. Barcola is best known for operating from the left, but Iraola believes the summer signing can cover every role across the front three, including as a central striker.

Barcola has also featured on the right and has previous experience through the middle. Iraola described him as an important member of the squad and expressed confidence in his ability to adapt to whichever position is required.

Anfield test against unbeaten league leaders

Manchester City travel to Merseyside with a perfect Premier League record and top spot in the table. The fixture will be their first since an independent commission found the club had breached Premier League financial regulations.

City deny wrongdoing and are challenging the decision, but the case adds a significant off-field backdrop to one of the weekend’s major matches.

Iraola expects a demanding, open contest and wants Liverpool to use the Anfield crowd as an advantage. He acknowledged City’s unbeaten start but said his side would look to take the game to the visitors and meet the standard required for a high-level occasion.