Liverpool problems: Klopp's comments on Wirtz and DFB selection chance
The injuries to Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala have, alongside Jonathan Burkardt, earned Florian Wirtz an early start under national team manager Jürgen Klopp – a scenario that simultaneously puts Klopp’s Liverpool problems into focus.
Injuries open the door for Wirtz
The absences of Havertz and Musiala, as well as Burkardt, create space in the German squad for the 23‑year‑old Florian Wirtz. The Liverpool midfield star received on Friday, two days before the Nations League match against Greece, an invitation to the German national team, even though he was only scheduled for the second part of the training camp starting next week.
Klopp's clear words on the deployment question
At the press conference in Augsburg, Jürgen Klopp laughed as he pointed out that it would be a “board” to put Wirtz straight into the starting eleven. “He found out about it yesterday morning, arrived here in the evening and then we say: ‘Now that you’re already here, why not play right away?’ That would be the most wrong thing we could do right now,” explained the 59‑year‑old coach.
Klopp emphasized that at most a brief appearance of the 23‑year‑old Wirtz could be expected, if he is even in the squad at all. He pointed out that the team does not act “fast enough” and that the decision would be made after careful consideration.
Klopp defends Wirtz and promises careful handling
Wirtz's previous record at Liverpool
In his first season with the Reds, Wirtz recorded 17 goal involvements in 49 appearances, a figure that did not fully meet the high expectations. In his second season in England, he currently has one assist from six appearances, while critical voices continue to be heard.
Klopp, who initially did not want to comment on Wirtz's situation, later said: “That only creates headlines we don’t want here.” He then added, however, some profound words: “I can say that Flo Wirtz’s footballing abilities are above any doubt and that we will work together to get him back onto the pitch in a three‑day rhythm.”
Outlook on possible deployments
Whether Wirtz will feature against Greece or only in the subsequent matches remains uncertain. The hope is strong among German fans as well as Liverpool supporters that the young midfielder, under Klopp’s guidance, will regain his offensive top form.
The report comes from Alexander Hassenstein/GettyImages and highlights how closely the topics of Liverpool problems and German national team deployment chances for Wirtz are intertwined.