Jürgen Klopp has explained the possible reason behind Florian Wirtz’s struggles at Liverpool, while Germany teammate Jonathan Tah has said the criticism has been “extreme”.
Florian Wirtz is yet to really settle at Liverpool since his big-money move last summer from Bayer Leverkusen. Much was expected of the 23-year-old playmaker when he arrived in England, but he has only shown flashes of his talent so far.
There is an argument that Wirtz performs more freely on international duty than he does in a Liverpool shirt. Jamie Carragher has been highly critical of Wirtz’s recent displays and has suggested that Liverpool may eventually have to consider selling him if his form does not improve.
Jurgen Klopp and Jonathan Tah defend Florian Wirtz
However, Klopp sees the situation differently. Speaking to Bild, the former Liverpool boss and current Germany manager suggested there is a clear reason for Wirtz’s dip in form, saying he may have arrived at the club at the worst possible moment.
Klopp said, “That makes no sense now and would go way too far. It would generate headlines no matter what I say. It’s going to be a huge issue, especially in England. There’s no reason for it. Flo’s footballing qualities are beyond any doubt. He’s on a very good path. But in the world we live in, things are never fast enough for people. If you want to see the overall context, Flo arrived in Liverpool at the worst possible moment.”
Klopp also pointed to the tragedy that struck the club, saying Wirtz joined a team in which football understandably became a lower priority for several players. In his view, that made it extremely difficult for the midfielder to come in and immediately carry the side.
“So it was a very unfavourable situation. But everyone who loves football still sees what an exceptional player he is.”
He also added that Germany can only help Wirtz by giving him proper training time and a supportive environment while he is away on international duty.
Tah’s backing
Fellow Germany international and former Bayer Leverkusen teammate Jonathan Tah also came to Wirtz’s defence, arguing that the criticism around him has gone too far.
Tah said, “I find it extreme how much he’s being attacked. But everyone will understand eventually. He’s just going through a phase that shouldn’t be overemphasised. He has to keep going, keep believing in himself.”
Tah’s comments echo Klopp’s view that Wirtz is not the problem so much as the timing and circumstances around his move. The defender believes the Liverpool playmaker has not been as poor as some are making out and that the decisive moments will come if he continues to work through the adjustment period.
What comes next for Wirtz?
Whatever the explanations, the pressure remains on Wirtz to prove he can become the player Liverpool expected when they invested so heavily in him. The season is still relatively young, so there is time for him to turn things around and silence the criticism.
If his form does not improve, though, the scrutiny will only grow louder. For now, Liverpool are expected to keep faith, and Klopp believes the national team can help Wirtz reset his mind and rediscover his confidence before he returns to Anfield with renewed energy.