Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has defended Florian Wirths amid criticism of his performance in the Premier League. Despite the Reds sitting second in the Premier League, one point behind leaders Arsenal, Werts has been criticized for not scoring since losing to Crystal Palace in the Community Shield in August. Critics are using Liverpool’s recent slump in form as an opportunity to question their summer signings.
Wirtz, who made a big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, has been criticized for failing to make a big impact in England’s top flight. However, Klopp remains unfazed and insists there is no need to worry. He believes the German playmaker can thrive at Liverpool if he is given time to adapt to English football.
“We don’t have to worry about Florian Wirths, because his quality is very good,” Klopp said. “Of course, everything is fine and everyone knows that.
“I’m sure the debate has been blown out of proportion. Liverpool have just lost three games in a row, but it’s unusual for something like this to happen after such a long time, but it’s also a normal part of life.”
“That’s why these things are being discussed. I’ve been in the middle of those discussions long enough already, and all I can say is that there’s nothing more interesting to people than the public discussions that are going on out there. So it doesn’t matter and everything will be fine.
“(Wirtz) has a stable environment at Liverpool and the club is great in moments like this. If anyone is worried, don’t worry, you can stop.”
Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher admits Wirtz will eventually prove his worth, but previously claimed Wirtz was disrupting the Reds’ equilibrium after recent performances.
It has been suggested that coach Arne Slott is trying to squeeze in too many new players and star players, which may be affecting the balance of the team.
After the loss to Galatasaray, Carragher suggested Wirtz should be left out against Chelsea, which he did, but he came on at half-time to put the Reds ahead.
“He (Arne Slott) has some issues to sort out. He’s spent a lot of money on certain players so it’ll be very interesting to see how he deals with it going forward,” Carragher said.
“But I don’t think we have the right balance in the team at the moment, and obviously the one that stands out is Florian Wirths. He’s just not racing at all.”
“He is a young player who is about to join a new league. He has plenty of time to be a Liverpool player, but I think he needs to step away from the team for now.”
“Liverpool should try to get back to where they were last season and build confidence and defensive solidity from there, because right now they just look like a mess.”
