Klopp defends Wirtz as Liverpool struggle with his impact
Jurgen Klopp has publicly defended Florian Wirtz after the midfielder’s first season at Liverpool failed to live up to the £116 million fee paid to Bayer Leverkusen last year. Klopp told a press conference with Germany’s national team that Wirtz’s ability is “beyond any doubt” and that he arrived at Anfield “at the worst possible moment”.
Why Liverpool invested heavily
Wirtz was signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £116 million, a record for a teenager in the Premier League. Liverpool expected the 22‑year‑old attacking midfielder to add creativity and goal threat, hoping he would help the club chase another league title and a Champions League trophy.
Struggles in the first campaign
In his debut season the German recorded seven goals and nine assists across 48 appearances, a return that fell short of the expectations attached to his price tag. Under new manager Andoni Iraola this season, Wirtz has managed only one assist in six league games, indicating he has yet to become a decisive influence in Liverpool’s attack.
Klopp and critics weigh in
Klopp, now managing Wirtz for Germany, said the tragic death of Diogo Jota in July last year created a difficult environment for the newcomer, adding that the team’s focus had understandably shifted away from football at that time. Former defender Jamie Carragher has called for Iraola to drop Wirtz for the upcoming Premier League clash with Manchester City on 11 October, arguing the midfielder’s performances have not justified his cost.
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“I can say that Flo Wirtz’s footballing abilities are beyond any doubt,” Klopp said. “We will work together on making sure he can show them on the pitch again every three days. We will absolutely try whatever we can contribute towards that.”
Carragher countered, “The worry for Wirtz now is that his performances so far are so low. The gap he has to close to justify what people were expecting is almost too big.” He added that the price paid for a player of Wirtz’s calibre should be half of what Liverpool spent.
Klopp concluded that integrating Wirtz will require time, confidence and positive experiences, urging patience from Liverpool supporters while the club continues to rebuild under Iraola.