“He played so well” – Andoni Iraola heaps praise on Liverpool star after LASK win

“He played so well” – Andoni Iraola heaps praise on Liverpool star after LASK win Bradley Barcola hat-trick earns Iraola praise as Liverpool beat LASK Andoni Iraola had seen something in training. Before Bradley Barcola turned six appearances without a goal or assist into a Champions League hat-trick, the Liverpool manager sensed his summer signing was ready to deliver. That instinct was rewarded in Austria, where Barcola scored his first three Liverpool goals in a 6-3 victory over LASK. For a player signed from Paris Saint-Germain for £123 million, it was a substantial response to a quiet opening spell. The goals were the obvious reward. Iraola, though, drew attention to the work around them: Barcola’s threat in individual contests, his movement and his ability to exploit space behind the opposition. Photo: IMAGO Bradley Barcola breakthrough follows training signal Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Iraola explained that his confidence in Barcola’s performance had begun to grow before kick-off. “I think he played so well today, not just with the goals but also with chances 1v1, when we got into the spaces in behind.” The manager then offered an insight into the previous day’s preparations. “I could feel it already yesterday in training. Sometimes you feel it when a player is in the zone, and fortunately for us he showed the level that he’s got.” Those comments give the evening a significance beyond the match ball. Iraola saw a player making effective decisions and finding opportunities within Liverpool’s attacking play, with the finishing supplying the most visible evidence. After six appearances without a direct goal contribution, Barcola left Linz with three goals and a performance his manager could point to as an example of his capabilities. Liverpool combinations create hat-trick platform Barcola’s breakthrough came shortly after Ronald Araujo had opened the scoring with his first Liverpool goal, heading in Kostas Tsimikas’ corner. Two minutes later, Rio Ngumoha’s run down the right helped create the opening for Lewis Koumas to supply Barcola. The Frenchman finished with his right foot to double Liverpool’s lead and open his account. His second arrived before half-time, with Florian Wirtz providing the pass that sent him through. Liverpool continued to find routes to goal after the interval. Jeremie Frimpong headed in another Tsimikas delivery before Robert Ljubicic pulled one back for LASK. Barcola answered three minutes later, meeting Frimpong’s delivery to complete his hat-trick. The sequence underlined how many players had contributed to his evening, from the creativity of Wirtz to the running and service around him. Koumas then scored Liverpool’s sixth, again from a Frimpong assist, before two Florian Flecker goals reduced the deficit. Iraola praises attacking intent despite late concessions Liverpool’s six goals provided a forceful response to Sunday’s defeat against Manchester City. Iraola had made four changes for the trip, with Virgil van Dijk among those rested. The manager was particularly pleased with how his side used possession. “I’m very happy with the performance. We were aggressive with the ball, good positionally, we moved the ball well and attacked the spaces well.” His assessment of the defensive display was also positive, despite LASK scoring three times. “Yes, we conceded those goals, but overall I think the performance of the defence was very good.” That judgement sits alongside a scoreline which leaves room for scrutiny. Liverpool established a commanding advantage, but the hosts’ late goals meant the closing stages did not reflect the same control. Still, consecutive Champions League victories have given Iraola a productive European start, with this result adding an important attacking breakthrough. Brentford offers next test for Barcola Liverpool return to Premier League action at Brentford on Saturday before welcoming Villarreal to Anfield next Tuesday. For Barcola, the immediate challenge is to carry the qualities praised by Iraola into those fixtures. One prolific evening cannot settle every question about a new signing, but it can provide a clearer picture of what he offers. His movement, finishing and combinations with teammates all contributed against LASK. Repeating those elements will matter more than trying to reproduce a hat-trick every time he plays. Iraola believed he had seen the signs in training. Liverpool now have a competitive performance to match that confidence, and Barcola has a memorable first chapter in his goalscoring record for the club.