Liverpool head coach Andoni Iraola has explained his decision to use Bradley Barcola as a centre-forward against Fenerbahce in the Champions League. The Frenchman struggled to make an impact in an unfamiliar role as Liverpool suffered their first defeat of the league phase, losing 3-2.
Liverpool twice took the lead in Istanbul. Trey Nyoni scored first, but Mason Greenwood's free-kick deflected off Jeremy Jacquet and into Alisson Becker's goal.
In the second half, substitute Alexander Isak scored with a header from his first touch. Fenerbahce responded with two goals in six minutes, however, as Archie Brown and Vedat Muriqi found the net.
Why Iraola played Barcola through the middle
The Spanish coach explained that he wanted to use the Frenchman's pace against the opposition defenders. Isak's playing time was also to be limited, while fresher players were selected on the wings.
We put Victor Munoz and Rio Ngumoha on the wings because they were fresher. We also thought it would be better for Alexander to play around 30 minutes, no more.
We wanted to try Bradley. Last week against Chelsea we used Cody Gakpo, and this time we decided to try this option. We thought it would work well because Bradley's pace could give him an advantage against the defenders.
But he couldn't find the right position to cause the opposition problems. He looked better on the wing. And, of course, with Cody and Alexander coming on, we became more dangerous.
‘The changes were not the reason for the defeat’
Iraola made five changes in total from the previous match. The coach disagreed, however, that rotation was what caused the defeat.
We haven't just done this today; we've done it throughout the season. In midweek matches we change four or five players because it's impossible to keep putting out the same starting line-up.
I trust the players and believe they are capable of maintaining the required level. I don't think that's the main reason for our defeat. First and foremost, we need to look at how we conceded the goals. That's why we couldn't win.
Liverpool's next match is against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Sunday. It will be their final Premier League fixture before the international break.
