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# Barcola challenged to 'raise his level mentally' to become Liverpool success

- **Source:** 
- **Published:** 23 Oct
- **Club:** Liverpool
- **Original URL:** https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bradley-barcola-challenged-raise-level-34799893

The Reds made Barcola the second most expensive player in their history when they paid Paris Saint-Germain £123m for the French international towards the end of August and his hat-trick against LASK in the Champions League last week means he has three goals in six starts for his new club.

Barcola had fallen down the pecking order at PSG following the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January 2025 and then a trio of summer additions in Mika Godts, Maghnes Akilouche and Ferran Torres.

Barcola joined a team in transition on Merseyside following the departures of first-team stars Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate and the arrival of a new head coach in Andoni Iraola and former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona star Petit says the competition for places in Liverpool's forward line is fierce.

And Petit, who scored in France's 3-0 victory over Brazil in the 1998 World Cup final in Paris, thinks Barcola has to show that he can nail down his place consistently at Anfield.

“I really like Barcola as a person and a player," Petit told Betfred. "Liverpool’s a new club for him and he has to adapt. It takes weeks to adapt yourself to a new club and a new style of football.

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“At PSG, he lost his position as soon as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia came to the club. And I was happy to see him score goals for Liverpool in the Champions League as that will give him confidence when linking up with his team-mates.

"But in the meantime, he needs to raise his level mentally every single game."

Petit added: "At PSG he was frustrated that he lost his place in the starting 11 and it worked for him sometimes when he came off the bench.

"But now he’s at another top club with Liverpool and he has to compete for his place and fight for it."

Barcola is expected to start when the Reds host high-flying Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday afternoon.

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