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Bradley Barcola explains Liverpool move and insists his best is still to come

·By Paul Vegas
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Bradley Barcola explains Liverpool move and insists his best is still to come

Liverpool/X.com

Bradley Barcola says he has not yet reached his best at Liverpool, explaining why he welcomed the move from Paris Saint-Germain and feels no pressure to replace Mohamed Salah.

The French winger joined Liverpool shortly before the summer transfer window closed, ending a successful spell at PSG during which he made 152 appearances, scoring 39 goals and providing 37 assists.

Barcola has made an encouraging start to life in England, registering three goals and two assists in his first 12 appearances for the Reds. However, the 24-year-old believes there is considerably more to come as he develops an understanding with his new team-mates.

“I don't think I'm at my best yet. You still haven't seen the best version of me,” he told Sky Sports.

“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.”

Barcola arrived at Anfield as Liverpool's major attacking signing following Salah's departure, while the club also invested heavily in players including Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

The size of his transfer fee and the expectation surrounding the No.29 have not, however, created additional pressure in his mind.

“First of all, I wasn't the one who decided the transfer fee. So that's not been my problem,” he said.

“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.”

Barcola was also clear that he does not intend to imitate the Egyptian, preferring to establish his own identity at the club.

“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.”

Leaving PSG was nevertheless an emotional decision. Barcola had been part of a successful group in Paris, winning major honours and forming close relationships with his team-mates.

“For me, it was the right time to leave PSG. I spent so many great years there and I won an enormous amount of trophies. But it was time,” he explained.

“It was quite difficult because, over there, it was a real family. We'd built something very special together. On top of that, it was very difficult to leave and say goodbye to my team-mates.”

The opportunity to join Liverpool made the decision easier, however, with Barcola saying he had little hesitation when the English club approached him.

“When a club like Liverpool comes calling, it's a great thing. I didn't have any doubts and I just knew I had to come here. I'm happy to be here, and I hope things go well for PSG.”

Barcola is now focused on helping Liverpool improve their performances and believes the team must do more to control matches through possession.

He acknowledged their disappointment after the recent defeat against Arsenal but insisted the squad must remain consistent and continue working towards its objectives.