2 min read
Make us your Google favourite
Bradley Barcola has brushed off criticism over his early form at Liverpool by insisting that he’s ‘not Mohamed Salah’ and does not feel the pressure of replacing the Egyptian legend.
Salah left Liverpool in the summer after being the club’s talisman for nine years and Barcola was seen as his replacement after being brought in for €125 million from Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the high-profile signing, Barcola has yet to open his Premier League account for Liverpool in seven appearances but the 24-year-old insisted he is not concerned about the fee paid or the comparisons to Salah.
“First of all, I wasn’t the one who decided the transfer fee,” Barcola told Sky Sports. “So that’s not been my problem.
“And regarding Mo Salah, he’s a legend here. A huge one. He’s done big things here and for that I have an enormous respect for him. But it’s not pressure for me at all.
“I’m not Mohamed Salah, so I’m going to try to contribute whatever I can to the club and make my own mark on its history. I don’t feel any pressure about that.”
Bradley Barcola: Liverpool star expects ‘better’ performances
Barcola had been Liverpool’s top target for more than a year to replace Salah and the deal was eventually completed late in the summer window after weeks of negotiations.
However, Liverpool have struggled to get the best out of Barcola so far, although the French international scored a hat-trick against Austrian side LASK in the Champions League last month.
Barcola grabbed his first two assists for the club soon after and, with his form slowly improving in the last six matches, the forward insisted things would only get better as chemistry builds between him and his new teammates.
“No, I don’t think I’m at my best yet,” Barcola said. “You still haven’t seen the best version of me.
“On top of that, we’re working with my team-mates so that they can make the most of my strengths.
“So yes, I think once we really develop that understanding, things will get much better. And I think things are improving all the time.
“People are beginning to understand my style of play much better. I think it’s going much better.”
Related stories:
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Kroupi move, Tresoldi stance, Diomande verdict
Premier League’s 5 biggest young talents outside the Big 6 – and who should sign them
Transfer Rumours: Kenan Yildiz January bombshell as Man Utd agree personal terms
