Andoni Iraola has dismissed claims that summer recruit Bradley Barcola is out of form following criticism of the forward's performances for France. The 24-year-old attracted some scathing assessments after Monday's 4-1 Nations League victory over Belgium.
With senior forwards Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo sidelined through injury for the Manchester City fixture, Iraola needs Barcola to produce the sort of displays he consistently delivered for PSG.
Iraola defends Barcola
The Reds boss said: "I don't think he's in a bad moment. The problem with wingers or strikers is if they don't score a goal, 'They haven't played well.' We have to see the games, we have to watch. I said it the first game against Atletico Madrid, he missed two or three quite clear chances. I don't care, honestly."
"I care but I want him to see [it's] there. With the national team, I have seen he has had a couple of good situations to score. He hasn't scored, but I want him to be there."
His backing of Barcola comes just a month after he offered comparable support to Florian Wirtz amid the German's ongoing struggles to justify his transfer fee.
Reds ready to pounce
Liverpool are among a host of clubs being linked with Nottingham Forest's Murillo. The Brazilian has cemented himself as one of the Premier League's most dependable centre-backs, and consequently has attracted the attention of numerous top clubs.
According to TeamTalk, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are all keen on the 24-year-old, who has clocked up more than 100 appearances since arriving at Forest from Corinthians in 2023. Having penned a new deal in the summer, keeping him at the City Ground until 2030, Murillo would command a substantial transfer fee and a January exit would reportedly necessitate an 'exceptional offer.'
However, with Virgil van Dijk entering the twilight years of his distinguished career, the Reds will be looking to shore up their defensive options for the future.
