Emmanuel Petit challenges Bradley Barcola to improve mentality after Liverpool struggles

France and Arsenal legend Emmanuel Petit has challenged Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola to strengthen his mentality as he adjusts to life at Anfield following his high-profile move from Paris Saint-Germain.

Barcola arrived at Liverpool in a deal worth up to £123 million, placing significant expectations on the 23-year-old to deliver immediately. However, the Frenchman endured a difficult introduction to life with the Reds, failing to record a goal or assist in his first six appearances.

The winger has since shown signs of improvement, scoring a hat-trick against LASK in the Champions League before providing an assist against Brentford.

His recent performances have offered encouragement as he looks to establish himself in the team, but Petit believes the forward must develop a stronger mentality to fulfil his potential at one of England’s biggest clubs.

Petit demands stronger mentality from Barcola

Speaking to Betfred ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League meeting with Brighton on Sunday, Petit acknowledged the challenges Barcola faces when adapting to a new club and style of football.

“I really like Barcola as a person and a player,” Petit told Betfred. “Liverpool’s a new club for him, and he has to adapt. It takes weeks to adapt yourself to a new club and a new style of football.

“At PSG, he lost his position as soon as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came to the club. And I was happy to see him score goals for Liverpool in the Champions League, as that will give him confidence when linking up with his teammates.

“But in the meantime, he needs to raise his level mentally every single game.”

Petit believes Barcola’s transition to Liverpool requires more than simply rediscovering his goalscoring touch, insisting that consistency and the right attitude will be crucial to his progress.

The former France international also pointed to the winger’s experience at PSG, where competition for places became more intense following Kvaratskhelia’s arrival.

PSG experience offers lesson for Liverpool star

Barcola’s struggles for regular playing time at PSG preceded his move to the Premier League, with the Frenchman losing his place in the starting line-up after Kvaratskhelia joined the club.

Petit believes the experience should serve as a lesson as Barcola attempts to establish himself at Liverpool, where competition for attacking positions remains fierce.

“At PSG he was frustrated that he lost his place in the starting 11, and it worked for him sometimes when he came off the bench.

“But now he’s at another top club with Liverpool, and he has to compete for his place and fight for it.”

The comments underline the challenge facing Barcola as he seeks to become a regular starter under Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola.

His recent contributions suggest that he is beginning to settle into his new surroundings, but maintaining that progress will be essential if he is to justify the significant investment Liverpool made to secure his services.

Brighton test awaits Barcola

Barcola will have another opportunity to demonstrate his progress when Liverpool face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Seagulls sit above Liverpool in the league standings, setting up a difficult test for the Reds as they look to improve their position.