Lewis Koumas explains why Bradley Barcola was struggling before 6-3 LASK hat-trick
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The 21-year-old was quietly sensational once again, registering a goal and an assist to write his name alongside Steven Gerrard as only the second player aged 21 or under to score and assist in a Champions League match for the Reds.Yet, when LFCTV presenter Peter McDowell caught up with Koumas after the final whistle, the young Welshman didn't want to talk about his own history-making night. Before the microphone was even fully turned toward him, his thoughts immediately went to Barcola.When asked why he was so keen to bring up his teammate, Koumas offered a insight into the realities of modern football that fans rarely get to hear:"Because I think it’s been really hard for him," Koumas revealed.
"Not in terms of on the pitch, because in the changing room we all know how good he is, but, you know, moving country and trying to settle in fast is tough."Having spent time out on loan away from Merseyside himself, Koumas knows a thing or two about the mental strain of adapting to a new environment even if his own journey didn't involve crossing the English channel from Paris Saint-Germain under the harsh glare of a massive price tag."I found it tough on loan, so changing countries completely must be something else, so I’m just really happy that he showed how good he is tonight and I just hope he carries on doing it now," Koumas added. He’s an unbelievable talent and I’m sure he’ll be unbelievable for Liverpool."That bond was clear on the pitch in Linz.
The relief on the Frenchman's face was palpable and every single player in red sprinted over to celebrate with him like he’d just scored a cup-winning goal.When Koumas got his own moment of glory later in the second half converting a Jeremie Frimpong delivery to make it 6-1 after having two earlier efforts ruled out for offside it capped off a dream European night for the academy graduate.Describing his goal, Koumas broke down the split-second instinct behind the finish:"Jeremie has got it out of his feet and crossed and it's taken a bounce. I've done that and it's gone through his [the goalkeeper’s] legs."For all the attacking fireworks, nobody watching from home or high in the away end at the Raiffeisen Arena will pretend all of Liverpool’s issues have vanished overnight.