Liverpool supporters have called on manager Andoni Iraola to reconsider his decision to play Bradley Barcola as a central striker following the Reds’ disappointing 3-2 Champions League defeat to Fenerbahce.
Liverpool suffered their first Champions League defeat under Iraola on Wednesday night, November 4, 2026, despite taking the lead twice in an entertaining encounter in Istanbul.
Trey Nyoni and Alexander Isak found the net for the Merseyside club, but defensive mistakes and a disappointing overall performance allowed Fenerbahce to turn the game around and claim all three points.
Barcola’s performance raises questions
One of the biggest talking points after the defeat was Iraola’s decision to deploy Barcola as Liverpool’s No.9.
The French attacker was handed a starting opportunity in the central attacking position, while regular striker Alexander Isak began the match on the bench.
However, Barcola struggled to make an impact throughout his time in the role. He failed to make the most of Liverpool’s attacking opportunities and found it difficult to influence the game as a central forward.
His performance sparked criticism among supporters, with many believing he is more effective operating from his natural wide position.
Liverpool fans demand tactical changes
Following the final whistle, several Liverpool supporters took to social media to question Iraola’s selection and urge him to abandon the experiment.
One supporter wrote that playing Barcola as a No.9 was not working and suggested the manager should end the experiment.
Another questioned why Isak was left out of the starting XI, arguing that Liverpool lost valuable time by using Barcola in an unfamiliar position.
Other supporters suggested that Iraola could have considered giving Lewis Koumas or another natural centre-forward an opportunity if he wanted to rest Isak.
There was also criticism of the manager’s overall team selection, with some fans believing Liverpool should have started with a stronger attacking lineup against their Turkish opponents.
Fans divided over Iraola’s future
Despite the frustration surrounding the defeat, not every Liverpool supporter believes the manager deserves criticism.
Some fans have urged patience, pointing out that Iraola is still trying to establish his ideas and build a winning team at Anfield.
Others have highlighted Liverpool’s injury problems, arguing that the manager has been forced to experiment with different combinations.
Nevertheless, questions are beginning to emerge about some of his tactical decisions, particularly when it comes to getting the best out of his attacking players.
What should Iraola do next?
The defeat against Fenerbahce has increased the pressure on Iraola to find the right attacking balance.
Barcola possesses qualities that could make him an important player for Liverpool, but supporters clearly want to see him used in a position where he can have a greater influence.
With Isak available and other attacking options to consider, Iraola may need to rethink his approach before Liverpool’s next European challenge.
For now, the biggest question among Liverpool supporters is whether the manager will continue experimenting with Barcola as a central striker or return him to the wing.
