Luis Enrique Defends Bradley Barcola After Controversial Clash

Following a heated exchange last season, the tensions between Daniel Riolo and Bradley Barcola have resurfaced. This came to light during a recent press conference where PSG coach Luis Enrique addressed Riolo’s past critiques of the young attacker after a Champions League match against Newcastle.

The incident occurred on November 28, 2023, when PSG faced Newcastle at the Parc des Princes, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Barcola, who struggled during his appearance, became the target of Riolo’s sharp criticism on RMC Sport. Riolo’s memorable remarks highlighted the expectations of Champions League performances, stating, “We are watching a Champions League match, not a Youth League game! If he thinks he’s ready, he should go play in the Youth League! The responsibility lies not with the player, but with Luis Enrique, who believes he is capable of competing at this level. It was clear from his league performances that he’s just a little lamb, unable to step out of the farmyard. In the Champions League, he can’t behave as he did.” Riolo infamously dubbed Barcola “Bambi” in reference to his perceived fragility.

Barcola’s Remarkable Transformation at PSG

However, the narrative surrounding Bradley Barcola (22) has dramatically shifted since then. The young forward has emerged as a key player for PSG and is gradually making his mark on the French national team. During a recent press conference, when asked about Barcola’s talent, Luis Enrique took the opportunity to reference Riolo’s earlier criticism, defending his young player and acknowledging his impressive growth at PSG.

“Remember after Newcastle…”

“We’d be protecting him if it weren’t for journalists (laughs). Now everyone is talking about Bradley Barcola. But remember what was said after Newcastle—people claimed he wasn’t ready for Europe and lacked experience. He is a very balanced individual, full of common sense, humble, and grounded in strong family values. You can see that. He has managed the challenging moments of last season with composure and has transformed into a very powerful version of himself. He has improved,” Luis Enrique responded, subtly addressing Riolo without mentioning him directly. The message was clear.