Jurgen Klopp has delivered a strong message to Liverpool fans, defending Florian Wirtz after the German midfielder’s slow start to life at Anfield.
The £116 million summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen is yet to score or assist in the Premier League or Champions League since joining the reigning English champions.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Liverpool were the Premier League’s biggest spenders in the transfer window, breaking the British transfer record to bring in the 22-year-old, whose stellar spell in the Bundesliga had raised huge expectations.
However, Wirtz’s early form has drawn criticism amid Liverpool’s recent run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions.
Speaking to Sport.de, Klopp insisted supporters must remain patient. He said: “His quality is so outstanding. The discussions are a bit exaggerated. Liverpool just lost three games in a row, which is unusual. But that’s also normal in life. [Wirtz is] a once-in-a-century talent, and at some point he’ll show that in every game again, just as he did at Leverkusen.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has also backed Wirtz, telling Sport 1: “Even if he hasn’t scored a goal, he’s the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League. He simply has to get used to the league. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work.”
Wirtz is now hoping to rediscover his best form on international duty, as Germany chase a third straight win in World Cup 2026 qualifying.
The midfielder scored in the reverse fixture against Northern Ireland and will aim to find the net again in Monday’s clash at Windsor Park before returning to domestic action against Manchester United.