ESPN reports that Liverpool forward Barcola insists he feels no pressure after his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain, and says he won't dwell on the void left by Salah.
Liverpool forward Barcola insists he feels no pressure after his big-money move from Paris Saint-Germain, and says he won't dwell on the void left by Salah.
Barcola told Sky Sports that this summer was the "right time" to leave the two-time European champions and that he had always wanted to play in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old French winger joined Liverpool in August for a fee that could reach £123 million ($165 million). He came through the Olympique Lyonnais academy before spending three years at Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcola has had a mixed start on Merseyside. He scored a hat-trick in Liverpool's Champions League match against LASK Linz, but has yet to score in the Premier League, although he has provided two assists in the league.
His eye-watering price tag also means that significant expectations rest on his shoulders.
Asked about the high transfer fee and the huge gap left by Salah's move to Trabzonspor, Barcola said: "First of all, the transfer fee wasn't my decision, so that's not my problem.
"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."
The Frenchman also spoke about his decision to leave Paris Saint-Germain, perhaps the best club in Europe right now.
"From a young age, I have always had the ambition to play in the Premier League," Barcola added. "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 leaving Paris Saint-Germain was difficult, Barcola said: "There, we were truly like a family. We built something very special together... but ultimately, that's football."
Asked whether he felt he had reached his best level at Liverpool, Barcola said he believes he still has plenty of room to improve.
"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 suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Arsenal in their last Premier League match.
They face Fenerbahçe in the Champions League on Wednesday night, then return to the Premier League on Sunday to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.