Liverpool travel to Austria seeking to turn an encouraging Champions League start into the kind of momentum that can steady an unsettled season. Having beaten Atlético de Madrid in their opening European fixture, the Reds now face LASK Linz, whose first appearance in the UEFA Champions League’s new-format competition will come in front of their own supporters after a previous defeat to AEK Athens.
The trip arrives with Liverpool still trying to establish a convincing identity after a summer of major change. Arne Slot’s Premier League title had appeared to offer continuity following Jürgen Klopp’s era, but the improvement expected from a substantial squad rebuild has not consistently followed. Mohamed Salah’s departure has been felt, while several expensive additions have yet to make their fees look justified.
Florian Wirtz has become one of the central figures in that debate. The German international cost more than €100 million, but his form since arriving in England has been uneven, increasing scrutiny around Liverpool’s investment and the wider return from their recruitment.
Bradley Barcola, another signing whose price exceeded €100 million after his move from Paris Saint-Germain, was intended to provide part of the answer to Salah’s exit. His pace, dribbling and ability to create independently had made him an enticing prospect, with Liverpool expecting him to add another dimension to an attack already rich in talent. So far, however, the France international has struggled to impose himself from the wing.
His display against Manchester City added to the questions around his place in Andoni Iraola’s side. Iraola has maintained faith in the winger, yet English criticism has begun to gather as Barcola’s subdued form continues. Cody Gakpo’s strong campaign has also sharpened the competition for attacking places, leaving Barcola under pressure to produce the decisive impact expected of a player bought for such a fee.
Selection issues before an important European night
Liverpool have concerns over Dominik Szoboszlai’s recovery ahead of the match, while Ryan Gravenberch is expected to start. The midfielder’s Premier League red card ensures he is unavailable domestically, making Europe the immediate stage for him to return to the side.
For LASK, the occasion carries its own weight. Hosting Liverpool offers the Austrian club a landmark night in the Champions League format, even if their recent loss to AEK Athens underlines the scale of the challenge. Liverpool arrive needing more than another group-stage victory: a strong performance would ease the unease around their rebuilt forward line and give their European campaign firmer shape.
