Iraola on team fitness, Koumas' development and Fulham

Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Fulham at Anfield (kick-off 15:00 BST). Here are the key lines from his news conference: Bradley Barcola, who was forced off during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League with cramp, "should be available" for Saturday's match. Iraola confirmed the team will train on Friday afternoon and then they will assess whether Cody Gakpo "is ready" to face Fulham, or if they "need to wait" until Tottenham on Tuesday in the Carabao Cup. He said their opening games have shown "the team has goals" as they have been "dangerous and created chances". Iraola now wants his side to be "more efficient" and start matches "a bit better" so they are not chasing games, having gone a goal down in three of their four matches soo far. Iraola said he is "happy with the improvements" Alexander Isak is making "game to game", with the striker "in a really good place" physically. He added: "He moves with confidence and technically we know he is very good. He is understanding what we need from the number nine position [better]." On Lewis Koumas, who Iraola has given a Premier League and Champions League debut to: "He can cover us as a seven, nine, 10 and 11. He trains very well, has a good attitude and is great player. He scores goals. I see him ready to help us and I like what he gives us. I am very happy to have him." He said "there is a chance" sidelined Hugo Ekitike "could help us with the last two games of the [Champions League] group stage, but it is still very early to say". On opponents Fulham, who are yet to get a point on the board: "If you look at the stats then you would think they'd have four or five points at least. They've been controlling the games with possession and comfortable on the ball." Listen to live commentary of Liverpool v Fulham on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds on Saturday. Follow all of Friday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news Got a question about Liverpool? Get in touch here and we'll seek answers from our experts [BBC]