Liverpool Coach Andoni Iraola praised his side’s offensive performance after Bradley Barcola scored a hat-trick for his side. Champions League clash with LASK Linz.
The Reds built a four-goal lead before conceding twice in the second half, but Iraola was delighted with the way his players approached the game in possession.
The Liverpool manager also singled out Florian Wirtz for his creativity, while young striker Lewis Koumas won plaudits after getting on the scoresheet.
“I’m very happy with the performance,” Iraola said.
“Today I think we were very aggressive with the ball, sometimes we talk about aggression without the ball but I talk with the ball.
“I think we took good positions, we moved the ball well, we attacked the spaces well. We conceded those goals, but overall I think the performance was very good.”
Barcola was the standout player in attack, completing his hat-trick after causing problems for the opposition defense all night.
“I think he played very well today and not just the goals,” added Iraola.
“He had more chances to score, he was always a threat attacking the spaces at the back.
“In training sometimes you can tell when a player is in the zone, and luckily tonight for us he showed the level he has.”
Wirtz and Koumas earn praise from Liverpool boss
Iraola was equally impressed by Wirtz, who played an important role in Liverpool’s attacking moves and helped dictate the pace of the game.
“I think he was incredible in possession,” the coach said.
“I think he had lively passes, good assists, he helped us control the game.
“Especially in the first half, where he roamed around and found good spots. It was a good game from Florian.”
There was also a memorable moment for Koumas, who finally got his goal after two previous efforts were dismissed.
Iraola praised the youngster’s persistence and believed he deserved the chance to celebrate in front of the Liverpool fans.
“He must enjoy it because he deserves it.
“I think he had two goals disallowed, which is unlucky for him, but he kept pressing, making runs from the back and doing his job.
“I think it’s only fair that he scores his goal and can have his moment of celebration with the fans.”
