Liverpool winger Bradley Barcola has called on head coach Andoni Iraola to adjust the team's tactics, saying the Reds should look to play more on the ground as they continue to develop an identity under the new manager.
Barcola, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer for £123million, has scored three goals in his opening 12 appearances for Liverpool, all of them in the 6-3 Champions League victory over LASK last month. He has struggled more in domestic action.
Call for a change in approach
Speaking to Sky Sports, Barcola explained what he would like to see change as Liverpool prepare to face Fenerbahce in the Champions League in midweek.
"I think we need to work on our control of the game and develop a more solid style of football," Barcola said. "Often, in these kinds of matches, we tend to favour long balls. But in my opinion, we should try to play more on the ground, because we have players capable of doing that."
The comments come after Liverpool's defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League at the weekend, which ended a run of five consecutive wins across all competitions. Barcola played the full 90 minutes at Anfield, where Liverpool failed to register a shot on target for the first time in 442 Premier League home games.
Barcola on his form and the transfer fee
Barcola also addressed his own start at Anfield, admitting he is not yet at his best.
"No, I don't think I'm at my peak yet. You haven't seen my best version yet," he said. "Also, we're working with my teammates so they can get the most out of my strengths. So yes, I think once we've really developed that understanding, things will go much better."
On the pressure of his transfer fee, Barcola said: "First of all, I didn't set the transfer fee. So it's not my problem."
He also spoke about Mohamed Salah, saying: "As for Mo Salah, he's a legend here. A huge legend. He's achieved great things here, and for that, I have immense respect for him. But it doesn't put any pressure on me at all."
