Iraola: Barcola is 'super-valuable' despite missing chances
Liverpool's Andoni Iraola says Barcola is 'super-valuable' and backs him to deliver despite missed chances, as Gakpo and Isak miss Man City clash.
· Kickhell
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola confirmed he is short of striking options ahead of Sunday's Premier League home clash with Manchester City, with Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak both ruled out through injuries sustained on international duty.
"Even before, we don't have Hugo Ekitike, who is another very good striker that I'm looking forward to having available also," Iraola said at his pre-match press conference. "We don't have Hugo, we don't have Alex."
Iraola indicated Federico Chiesa could return but noted the Italian has not yet played any minutes this season. "He is recovering from an injury but he has been doing a good job in the international break," the head coach added.
With a specialist centre-forward scarce, Iraola pointed to Lewis Koumas as a potential option. "A full No.9, it's true that we probably only have Koumas right now, but we have some other options — we have some wingers that have played up front in other teams," he said.
On summer signing Bradley Barcola, Iraola pushed back on any suggestion the France international is struggling. "I don't think he's in a bad moment — the problem with wingers or strikers is if they don't score a goal, 'they haven't played well'," he said.
Iraola acknowledged Barcola has missed clear chances, including two or three against Atlético Madrid in the opening fixture, but said he was unconcerned. "I care but I want him to see [it's] there," the manager explained.
The head coach stressed Barcola's versatility across the front line. "He can play in any position up front. He probably has played more as a left winger but has played a little bit as a striker, has played even more as a right winger," Iraola said. "He's a super-valuable player for us."
