Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp (Photo by Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Florian Wirths, a big-money signing from Liverpool, has been the center of concern in recent weeks after a largely quiet start in England.
The German playmaker arrived at Anfield amid high expectations after his blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen, and while that can’t be ruled out, critics are starting to worry that he has adapted too slowly.
In response, manager Jurgen Klopp publicly defended Wirtz, insisting that the concerns were overblown and that his faith in the youngster was unwavering.
From the moment Liverpool agreed a deal worth around £116 million (plus bonuses) to bring Werts to Merseyside, attention was intense.
Florian Wirths is doing great for Liverpool
He arrived with a reputation as a generational talent, and many expected him to hit the ground running.
However, he is yet to register a goal or assist in his first seven Premier League appearances.
Critics also question whether he is being placed in a role that obscures his strengths rather than allowing him to play in the position he is most comfortable with.
Klopp has not remained silent in the face of growing scrutiny.
“I’m not worried about Florian Wirtz, because his quality is very good. Of course, everything is fine and everyone knows that. The debate has been blown out of proportion.” Klopp spoke to RTL and N-TV about the padel tournament in Mallorca (via GOAL).
“He is a once-in-a-century talent and will one day show it again in every game, as he did with Leverkusen. Liverpool has a stable environment and the club is great in moments like this.”
“If anyone’s worried, don’t worry. It’s okay to stop!”
Klopp asks Wirtz for patience
Klopp insisted that Liverpool and Wirths will address this issue in the long term. He reminded his critics that slumps and adjustment phases are part of football, especially when you step into a new league with high expectations.
He also pointed out that Liverpool’s recent poor performance as a team was not the fault of any one player, and that public debate should not distract from internal belief in Wirtz’s abilities.
Many players who spend big money to move to the Premier League go through a period of initial sluggishness as they adjust to the new system, expectations and intensity.
The most important thing is whether he can gradually find his rhythm, influence the game more directly and deliver on the promises that convinced Liverpool to invest so heavily.
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