Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry was surprised to hear about Florian Wirtz’s struggles at Liverpool at a press conference ahead of Germany’s World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg. Asked about Werts’ overall adjustment to life on Merseyside, he insisted he had not received any negative impressions from his international team-mates.
“We all try to help each other as teammates, especially as teammates in difficult situations,” Gnabry said. “(But) I don’t get the impression that Flow is not in good shape. He is smiling and training well. No one doubts his qualities and neither should he. Give him time. It was a big move, but he has great qualities and I am sure he will succeed.”
Gnabry is an enthusiastic supporter of Wirths, following comments from German soccer legend Jurgen Klinsmann.
He told Sports Illustrated: “Florian needs time to find his way around the north-west of England, especially Liverpool.
“That’s tough for a young player. And he’s coming into a team that’s made up of all superstars. He’s got to fight his way up step by step — and he will. He’s a fighter.”
Andreas Rettig, sporting director of the German Football Federation, also offered words of encouragement to Wirths, saying confidently: “Florian will establish himself at Liverpool. There’s no debate. No one can seriously argue that a player of his quality won’t succeed.”
Even the legendary Rudi Voller has weighed in on the predicament facing Germany’s current footballing treasure.
Voller, who was previously sporting director at Leverkusen, echoed the views of other prominent figures from Wirtz’s home country.
“Florian should not get carried away. I have no worries about that. He will show the English what he is made of. Florian is playing in a new league, at a new club,” he declared.
“These are normal adjustment issues. Almost all pros have this issue. I believe with his running ability and ability to play, he can make the leap.”
