Jurgen Klopp, the former Liverpool boss, has defended Florian Wirtz amidst criticism over his Premier League performances. Despite the Reds sitting in second place in the Premier League, just a point behind leaders Arsenal, Wirtz has been under fire for not scoring since the Community Shield defeat to Crystal Palace in August. Critics have used Liverpool’s recent dip in form as an opportunity to question their summer signings.
Wirtz, who made a big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, has been singled out for failing to make a significant impact in England’s top-flight. However, Klopp remains unfazed and insists there is no cause for concern. He is convinced the German playmaker will come good at Liverpool if he is given time to adjust to English football.
“I don’t have to worry about Florian Wirtz because his quality is so outstanding,” said Klopp. “Of course, everything is fine, and everyone knows that.
“The discussion is certainly being blown out of proportion. Liverpool have just lost three games in a row, it’s unusual for something like that to happen after such a long time, but it’s also normal in life.
“That’s why these things are discussed. I’ve been in the middle of such discussions long enough now, and I can tell you: nothing could interest people less than the public discussions that are taking place there. So it doesn’t matter, and everything will be fine.
“[Wirtz has] a stable environment at Liverpool, and the club is great in moments like these. If anyone’s worried, you don’t have to, you can stop.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has conceded that Wirtz will ultimately prove his worth but has previously argued that he disrupts the Reds’ equilibrium when reflecting on his recent performances.
It was put forward that Arne Slot has attempted to squeeze in too many of his fresh recruits and star players, which has affected the side’s balance.
Speaking after the defeat to Galatasaray, Carragher suggested that Wirtz should be dropped for the Chelsea clash – which he was, though he entered the fray at half-time in an attempt to guide the Reds past their opponents.
“There’s a few problems there that he’s [Arne Slot] got to fix – and it’ll now be really interesting how he goes about it because he’s spent a lot of money on certain players,” said Carragher.
“But right now, I don’t think the balance of the team is right, and the obvious one that stands out is Florian Wirtz. He’s just not at the races at all.
“He’s a young boy coming into a new league. He’s got plenty of time to go as a Liverpool player. But, right now, I think he needs to come out of the team.
“Liverpool [should] get back to what they were last season and then go from there and try and build some confidence and build some defensive solidity because right now, it just looks a mess.”
