Liverpool forward Barcola says he feels no pressure to replace the influence of Mohamed Salah after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal that could rise to £123m ($165m).
The 24-year-old France winger told Sky Sports that leaving the two-time European champions in August was the right decision and fulfilled his long-standing ambition to play in the Premier League.
Barcola developed at the Olympique Lyonnais academy before spending three years with Paris Saint-Germain. His first months at Liverpool have produced mixed results: he scored a hat-trick against LASK Linz in the Champions League but is still waiting for his first Premier League goal, despite registering two assists.
His substantial transfer fee has brought considerable expectation, while Salah’s departure for Trabzonspor has left a significant gap in Liverpool’s attack.
But Barcola said neither factor had affected him.
“First of all, the transfer fee wasn’t my decision, so that’s not my problem,” he said.
“As for Salah, he is a legend here, a very great legend. He has made a huge contribution to this club, and I have great respect for him. But that’s not pressure for me at all.
“I am not Salah, so I will do my best to contribute to the club and leave my own mark on its history. I feel no pressure about that.”
Barcola said his desire to play in England had been clear from an early age, and that Liverpool’s approach made the decision to move away from Paris Saint-Germain straightforward.
“From a young age, I have always had the ambition to play in the Premier League,” Barcola said. “For me, now was the right time to leave Paris Saint-Germain. I had many great years there and won many titles, but now is the right time.
“When a big club like Liverpool contacts you, it’s a great thing, so I had no hesitation. I just knew I had to come here. I am very happy.”
Asked whether the move had been emotionally difficult, he said his relationship with his former team-mates had made the departure hard.
“There, we were truly like a family. We built something very special together… but ultimately, that’s football.”
Barcola also rejected the suggestion that he had already reached his peak since arriving at Anfield.
“No, I don’t think I’m at my best right now. You haven’t seen my best version yet. We are working on getting the most out of my strengths together with my teammates. I think once we truly build that understanding, things will be much better,” he said.
Liverpool go into Wednesday night’s Champions League match against Fenerbahce after losing 1-0 to Arsenal in their most recent Premier League fixture. They return to league action on Sunday against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
