Iraola warns Liverpool's workload threatens Barcola's impact

Andoni Iraola warned that Liverpool players are already feeling the physical toll of playing every three days, a concern that is especially acute for Bradley Barcola after the Reds were held to a 0‑0 draw at Anfield three days after their 2‑1 Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.

The sport comments, viewable in the images, were published on 12 Sep. Even fans named Felix and Keith noted the lack of freshness, and a senior reporter highlighted the issue.

The Reds were held to a goalless stalemate by Alvaro Arbeloa's Fulham side at Anfield on Saturday, just three days after Liverpool’s 2‑1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Costly front line fails to spark

Iraola made only three changes to his starting line‑up, yet his front four of Alexander Isak, Bradley Barcola, Florian Wirtz and Victor Munoz – a group that cost the club nearly £400 million – failed to trouble goalkeeper Bernd Leno.

"When you draw, especially at home, you can't be happy. Today we lacked a bit of freshness and we did not do enough offensively to make the difference," he told.

Physical strain hampers Barcola

"It is less than three days, 60 hours, since the Atletico Madrid match and a lot of players had to adapt. Most of the changes were for physical reasons because the players were tired," Iraola added, noting the upcoming Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham on Tuesday.

Barcola started on the wing for the second time in three days, missed two clear chances in the win over Atletico Madrid, played 60 minutes on Tuesday and lasted 72 minutes against Fulham, yet the £123 million signing from Paris Saint‑Germain was ineffective.

"Bradley is one we are building up physically with games and the games will give him the condition we want," Iraola said. "But it is not just Bradley, we lack the freshness."

Upcoming fixtures test squad depth

Iraola remains unbeaten as Liverpool manager, but three draws from four matches signal a slow start for the Reds. The side travel to Tottenham for the Carabao Cup on Tuesday before facing Bournemouth in the league next Sunday.