Iraola explains why Barcola starts Liverpool’s Ipswich Town match on the bench

Andoni Iraola has explained why Bradley Barcola was not included in Liverpool’s starting line-up for their Premier League meeting with Ipswich Town, saying the France international did not play a single minute during pre-season.

Liverpool face Ipswich Town in the opening match of the third round of the Premier League, with kick-off scheduled for 22:00.

Iraola said he had considered selecting Barcola from the start after being impressed by the forward’s work in training. However, the lack of match practice during Liverpool’s preparations persuaded him to take a cautious approach.

“Honestly, I was thinking about starting Barcola. He has looked very good in training, but the truth is that he did not play a single minute during pre-season,” Iraola told English broadcaster Sky Sports.

The Liverpool manager said Barcola was ready to feature and indicated that the 22-year-old would be introduced after half-time.

“I think he is ready, and we will certainly bring him on in the second half, but we dealt with the situation carefully because you do not want to lose him immediately after he has joined,” Iraola said.

“So I think having him on the bench was the most appropriate decision.”

Barcola joined Liverpool from Paris Saint-Germain on a contract running until the summer of 2031. The forward has now completed his first week with the club as he adapts to his new surroundings and team-mates.

Iraola also discussed Barcola’s character and his efforts to settle into the Liverpool squad. He described the player as intelligent and tactically aware, while noting that he is relatively quiet away from the pitch.

“He is an intelligent player and understands football very well, but he is somewhat shy and does not talk much,” Iraola added. “He is also working on improving his English.”

The manager said Barcola had already begun forming relationships within the squad, with Jeremy Jacquet among the players helping him feel more comfortable.

“He now has his friends in the team, such as Jeremy Jacquet, who he feels more comfortable with, and I think he has made a very good start during his first week,” Iraola said.

Liverpool are still searching for their first victory of the season. They drew 2-2 with Newcastle in the opening round before being held to another 2-2 draw by Nottingham Forest in the second round.

Barcola’s expected appearance from the bench against Ipswich Town will therefore provide Liverpool with another attacking option as they look to claim their first three points of the campaign.