Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has disclosed that Bradley Barcola only suffered from cramps rather than a serious calf injury during Liverpool’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Atlético Madrid.
Recall that Barcola pulled up holding his left calf in the 60th minute of his full debut, sparking injury fears.
In a chat with TNT Sports, Iraola pointed out that because Barcola had not played pre-season minutes for Paris Saint-Germain prior to his marquee £123 million transfer to Liverpool, the coaching staff is still gauging his match fitness.
Iraola expressed great satisfaction with the winger’s impact, noting he looked dangerous and had two clear goal-scoring chances against Jan Oblak.
“No, just cramps, especially with Bradley,” he said.
“We are kind of rushing him a little bit. We wanted him there, but at the end we decided to say give us what you have then that’s the most he has. Let’s see how they recover for the next one.
“I was enjoying it. They’re a very good team. Technically, in the middle, lovely players. It is not easy to press those players as they have quality.
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“They have been playing together forever. We find another comeback after Forest, after Newcastle. We still have this thing to improve in the beginning of the games, but I am happy as we have shown some character.
“This is the Champions League, you don’t have easy games.”
