Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola praised his team’s attacking performance after Bradley Barkola scored a hat-trick against LASK Linz in the Champions League.
The Reds raced into a four-goal lead before conceding twice in the second half, but Iraola was pleased his players were in possession.
The Liverpool boss also singled out Florian Wirtz for his creativity, while young striker Lewis Koumas won praise after getting on the scoresheet.
“I’m very happy with my performance,” Iraola said.
“Today I think we were very aggressive with the ball, sometimes you talk about aggressiveness without the ball, but I’m talking about the ball.
“I think we took good positions, moved the ball well, attacked the spaces well. We conceded those goals, but overall I think the performance was very good.”
Barcola was the standout performer in attack, completing his hat-trick after causing problems for the opposition defense throughout the evening.
“I think he played very well today and not just the goals,” Iraola said.
“He had more chances to score, he was always attacking the spaces at the back and creating a threat.
“Sometimes in training you feel a player is in the zone and luckily for us tonight he showed the level he has.”
Wirtz and Koumas receive praise from the Liverpool manager
Iraola was equally impressed with Wirtz, who was instrumental in Liverpool’s attacking moves and helped dictate the tempo of the game.
“I think he was amazing in possession,” said the manager.
“I think he has live passes, good passes, helped us control the game.
“Especially in the first half where he was moving around and finding good spots. Good game from Florian.”
It was also a memorable moment for Koumas, who finally achieved his goal after ruling out two previous attempts.
Iraola praised the youngster’s determination and felt he deserved the opportunity to celebrate in front of the Liverpool supporters.
“He should enjoy it because he deserves it.
“I think he had two disallowed goals, which was unfortunate for him, but he kept up the pressure, got in behind and did his job.
“I think it’s only fair that he scores and has a moment of celebration with his supporters.”