Liverpool forward Bradley Barcola has insisted that he isn’t feeling any pressure following his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain and won’t dwell on the impact of predecessor Mohamed Salah.
In an interview with Sky Sports, Barcola said that this past summer was the “right time” to leave two-time European champions and that he has always wanted to play in the Premier League.
The France winger, 24, joined the Reds in August in a deal that could be worth up to £123 million ($165m.) He spent three years at PSG after coming up through Lyon‘s youth ranks.
Barcola has had a mixed start to life on Merseyside so far. He scored a hat trick in Liverpool’s Champions League match against LASK but he is yet to score in the Premier League — although he has bagged himself two assists so far in the league.
His eye-watering price tag means that there are some big expectations attached to him.
When asked about his significant transfer fee, and the long shadow that Salah casts following his move to Trabonszpor, Barcola said: “Firstly, I wasn’t the one who decided the transfer fee. So that’s not been my problem.
“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.
“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.”
The Frenchman also opened up about his decision to leave PSG — arguably the best club in Europe as it stands.
“Ever since I was young, I’ve always had the ambition of playing in the Premier League,” Barcola added. “For me, it was the right time to leave PSG. I spent so many great years there and won an enormous amount of trophies but it was the right time.
“When a club like Liverpool comes calling, it’s a great thing and so I didn’t have any doubts. I just knew I had to come here. I’m happy.”
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Asked if it was difficult to bid farewell to PSG, Barcola said: “Over there, it was a real family. We’d built something very special together […] But, ultimately, that’s just how football is.”
Barcola was asked about whether he feels he has his shown his best at Liverpool yet and said that he thinks there is much more to come.
“No, I don’t think I’m at my best yet. You still haven’t seen the best version of me. We’re working with my teammates so they can make the most of my strengths. I think once we really develop that understanding, things will get much better,” he said.
Liverpool endured a disappointing 1-0 loss to Arsenal last time out in the Premier League.
They face Fenerbahce in the Champions League on Wednesday night before heading to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
