Lewis Koumas reveals why Bradley Barcola struggled before Liverpool hat-trick

Lewis Koumas has revealed that Bradley Barcola’s difficulties at Liverpool were partly down to the challenge of moving to a new country and settling into a different environment, despite the pressure surrounding his £100 million-plus transfer.

Barcola ended his frustrating run without a goal or assist in six games by scoring a hat-trick in Liverpool’s emphatic 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK in Linz.

While the French forward dominated the headlines with his first goals for the club, Koumas offered a glimpse into the support he received from his teammates during his difficult start.

The 21-year-old Welshman also enjoyed an outstanding evening, scoring and providing an assist to become only the second Liverpool player aged 21 or younger, after Steven Gerrard, to score and assist in a Champions League match for the club.

However, speaking to LFCTV presenter Peter McDowell after the final whistle, Koumas chose to focus on Barcola’s breakthrough rather than his own achievement.

Koumas explains Barcola’s difficult start

Koumas believes the adjustment to life in a new country contributed to the difficulties Barcola experienced during his opening weeks at Liverpool.

“Because I think it’s been really hard for him,” Koumas revealed. “Not in terms of on the pitch, because in the changing room we all know how good he is, but, you know, moving country and trying to settle in fast is tough.”

The comments offered an insight into the atmosphere within Liverpool’s dressing room, where Barcola retained the confidence of his teammates despite struggling to deliver on the pitch.

Koumas understands the demands of adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, having experienced loan spells away from Merseyside during his own development.

Although his circumstances differed from Barcola’s move from Paris Saint-Germain to Liverpool under the scrutiny of a substantial transfer fee, the young forward could relate to the challenges of settling into a new environment.

“I found it tough on loan, so changing countries completely must be something else, so I’m just really happy that he showed how good he is tonight and I just hope he carries on doing it now,” Koumas added.

“He’s unbelievable. He’s an unbelievable talent and I’m sure he’ll be unbelievable for Liverpool.”

Koumas helps Barcola break his duck

The pair’s connection was evident during Liverpool’s victory in Austria, with Koumas playing a direct role in Barcola’s opening goal in the 18th minute.

After a penalty appeal was dismissed, Koumas reacted quickly to square the ball for the Frenchman, who finished with a low strike to register his first goal for the club.

Barcola’s relief was matched by the enthusiastic response of his teammates, who surrounded him in celebration.

The goal proved the beginning of a memorable night for the forward, who went on to complete his hat-trick as Liverpool overwhelmed their opponents in an entertaining European contest.

Koumas also had his moment in the spotlight, finding the net in the second half after two earlier efforts had been ruled out for offside.

The academy graduate converted a delivery from Jeremie Frimpong to make it 6-1, capping a productive performance that included both a goal and an assist.

Explaining his finish, Koumas said: “Jeremie has got it out of his feet and crossed and it’s taken a bounce. I’ve just focused on the contact and getting it on target. I’ve done that and it’s gone through his [the goalkeeper’s] legs.”

Liverpool must address defensive concerns

Despite the attacking display, Liverpool’s victory was not without its shortcomings.

Conceding three goals against LASK, including two late strikes after changes to the defensive line-up, highlighted areas that manager Andoni Iraola must address.

Liverpool will need greater defensive discipline when they travel to face Brentford on Saturday, with the physical demands of the Premier League presenting a different challenge.

The result in Austria will not erase every concern surrounding the club’s summer rebuild, but Barcola’s breakthrough provides an encouraging development for Liverpool’s attack.