---
title: "‘Very important’ – Andoni Iraola defends under-fire Liverpool attacker"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/news/very-important-andoni-iraola-defends-under-fire-liverpool-attacker/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Vishal Subramanian"
section: "Liverpool News"
published: "2026-10-14T10:46:52Z"
modified: "2026-10-14T10:46:53Z"
---

# ‘Very important’ – Andoni Iraola defends under-fire Liverpool attacker

**Liverpool will take on LASK in the UEFA Champions League later today as they aim to make it two wins from two in the competition.**

The Reds beat Atletico Madrid in the first group phase game of the season and will look to bounce back from their 3-0 Premier League defeat to Manchester City.

Bradley Barcola was Liverpool’s headline summer signing, joining the club from PSG for a fee believed to be in the region of £123m.

And since joining, it’s safe to say he has blown hot and cold and has yet to score or assist for the club.

However, despite his current form, Andoni Iraola believes the Frenchman will play a really important role for Liverpool this season.

## Andoni Iraola praises Liverpool summer signing Bradley Barcola

“We trust him, we want to put him in a position where he can affect games, and he’s going to be very, very important for us this season,” said Iraola via [TNT Sports](https://www.hbomax.com/sg/ms/partners).

“It’s lovely to have players like Bradley who have won the competition the last two seasons. He knows what it takes to win.

> Andoni Iraola on Bradley Barcola:\
> \
> “We trust him, we want to put him in a position where he can affect games, and he’s going to be very, very important for us this season.\
> \
> “It’s lovely to have players like Bradley who have won the competition the last two seasons. He knows what… [pic.twitter.com/HUpJBUEJox](https://t.co/HUpJBUEJox)
>
> — AS (@Anfield\_Sector) [October 14, 2026](https://x.com/Anfield_Sector/status/2110297125569376558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

“I think he can play in any of the positions in the front three. Probably the left wing is where he has played more or feels more comfortable, but I trust him in any of those three positions.”

Barcola made the Champions League his playground over the past couple of seasons and will look to break his goalscoring duck for Liverpool later today vs LASK.