Iraola backs Barcola and Wirtz amid criticism at Liverpool

Andoni Iraola, head coach of Liverpool, backed Bradley Barcola and Florian Wirtz on Tuesday after receiving heavy criticism. The Reds play on Wednesday in the Champions League league phase, second matchday, at LASK Linz following a 2-1 win over Atlético in the opener.

Iraola said he has “absolute confidence” in both players, even though Barcola has yet to score or provide an assist in six games with the club. He also defended Wirtz, who finished last season with 7 goals and 10 assists in 49 matches, but is yet to register a goal or assist in 7 appearances this campaign.

The coach also confirmed several absences: Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai. Iraola said all three trained with the group and they are assessing their status day by day, while Hugo Ekitiké remains out after rupturing the right Achilles tendon in April.