Jürgen Klopp has been watching Florian Wirtz closely, and after Germany’s 2-0 win over Serbia, he had a clear message for Liverpool supporters:
Don’t worry about him.
Wirtz was excellent, scoring one goal and setting up Tom Bischof’s opener as Klopp secured his first win as Germany manager.
Klopp also dismissed the idea that Wirtz’s difficult start at Liverpool was down to the club’s style.
He said: “It’s not about Liverpool playing the wrong way and therefore Flo not being able to make it work there or anything like that. Everything is absolutely fine.”
That will reassure Liverpool supporters waiting to see the best of Wirtz.
I’ve been critical of him myself. I don’t think he’s been bad, but we haven’t yet seen enough of the player Liverpool spent so much money to sign.
Against Serbia, though, Wirtz looked confident, involved and dangerous. Operating centrally, he got on the ball and made things happen. His goal was particularly impressive, carrying the ball into the box before calmly finishing into the corner.
Klopp clearly enjoyed the performance.
“I don’t really know how much Flo has to get right before everyone is finally happy!”
That made me laugh because Klopp understands the pressure Wirtz is facing. His huge transfer fee means every performance is judged against the price tag. One quiet game brings questions, while one good display apparently needs to be repeated before everyone is satisfied.
Klopp wasn’t having it.
“But I think everyone in Liverpool will be very, very happy with his performance today.”
I certainly am.
The other part of Klopp’s comments that stood out was his reference to Wirtz playing with joy while working incredibly hard.
That’s exactly what I want to see at Liverpool: not a player worrying about his price tag or trying to prove himself with every touch, but someone simply enjoying his football.
Wirtz said after the Serbia game that Germany had created plenty of movement through the middle and that everyone was enjoying themselves. He also spoke about continuing to work hard after becoming captain when Serge Gnabry went off.
Perhaps that is what Liverpool supporters need to see more of: a happy, confident Wirtz who isn’t constantly wondering whether his next pass will be judged as proof of whether he was worth the money.
The talent is obvious. Klopp knows it, Germany know it and Liverpool know it. Wirtz has now given himself a reminder too.
One international performance does not solve everything. Liverpool are different from Germany, and the Premier League presents a much tougher challenge.
But this was important.
He scored, assisted, created chances and looked like he was enjoying himself. Klopp saw the same thing.
“He played a brilliant game, just like everyone else, and of course that helps everyone.”
Exactly.
Let’s hope Wirtz brings that confidence back to Liverpool. There is a bloody good footballer in there, and we just want to see him enjoying himself at Anfield too.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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