Andoni Iraola throws weight behind £239m Liverpool duo Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola

Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has backed Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola to overcome their difficult starts at Anfield, insisting he retains complete faith in the two expensive signings despite their struggles to deliver goals and assists.

Wirtz arrived at Liverpool last summer for £116 million, while Barcola joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £123 million, including potential add-ons. However, neither forward has yet produced the attacking numbers expected of players signed for such significant fees.

Ahead of Liverpool’s Champions League clash with LASK on Wednesday, October 14, Iraola defended their performances and urged observers to look beyond statistics when assessing their contributions to the team.

The Liverpool boss acknowledged that the pair must improve their end product but made it clear that their recent struggles have not affected his confidence in their abilities.

Iraola insists he trusts Wirtz and Barcola

Despite mounting scrutiny over their performances, Iraola believes Wirtz and Barcola have shown enough to retain his trust.

“Responsibilities are the same (as other senior players in the squad). The performances are exactly the same. Sometimes we have to focus not just on the numbers,” he said.

The manager also highlighted Barcola’s performance in Liverpool’s previous outing, suggesting the Frenchman’s inability to register a goal contribution did not tell the full story of his display.

“I was happy with a lot of things the other day with Bradley. We had good situations, we didn’t finish them. But him and Florian are players I trust 100%.”

His comments offer a strong public show of support for two players expected to make a significant impact following their high-profile arrivals.

However, the emphasis on missed opportunities also underlines the need for both forwards to become more decisive in the final third.

£239m investment yet to deliver expected returns

Liverpool committed substantial funds to strengthen their attack, with Wirtz and Barcola arriving amid expectations that they would provide creativity, goals and a consistent attacking threat.

Wirtz, 23, joined for £116 million but has yet to reach 10 goal contributions in the Premier League. The German playmaker’s technical ability and creativity remain important assets, although his statistics have not matched the expectations attached to his transfer fee.

Barcola, 24, arrived from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth £123 million, including potential add-ons. He was viewed as Liverpool’s preferred replacement for Mohamed Salah, but the Frenchman is yet to score or provide an assist.

The lack of attacking returns has placed both players under pressure to justify the club’s investment.

Their situations, however, are not identical. Wirtz is expected to influence games through his creativity and ability to link midfield with attack, while Barcola’s role places greater emphasis on direct running, chance creation and goals.

Iraola’s defence of the pair suggests he wants their overall performances considered alongside their statistics as they adapt to the demands of English football.

Liverpool’s Champions League meeting with LASK presents another opportunity for Wirtz and Barcola to translate their promising moments into tangible contributions.