Florian Wirtz has confirmed he has held talks with Andoni Iraola about playing in a more central role this season, as Liverpool take on Leeds United in Chicago tonight. Wirtz, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexander Isak are all set to feature in the friendly.
Wirtz played in various positions across the attacking line during his first season at Liverpool after joining from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m. The 23-year-old then started on the left throughout Germany's World Cup campaign, where they were knocked out in the last 32 after losing to Paraguay on penalties.
Iraola sees Wirtz behind the striker
Speaking during the club's tour of the US, Iraola revealed he sees Wirtz playing in the "position behind the striker" going forward. When asked about the role, Wirtz said: "Of course. I mean, I was always more like a No.10. But I play where the manager puts me. We've spoken about that as well. Let's see what happens this season."
Wirtz enjoys new training methods
Wirtz also praised Iraola's methods after linking up with his team-mates in Chicago following a break after the World Cup. "I just can say that the training is really fun, I enjoyed every training [session] until now," he said. "We play a lot of games and possessions, and that's exactly what I like. I just enjoyed it until now."
On his break, he told the club's official website: "I feel very good, very happy to see all of the boys again and also to meet the new manager and his staff. So, yeah, it feels really good. I think the small break was important to calm down a little bit the body. It still was maybe not enough, could have been a few weeks more! But it's like this when you are a professional footballer. I'm happy that I can play football again, because that's what I love the most. So, yeah, just happy to be back."
A disappointing first season
Wirtz's first season was a disappointing one as Liverpool struggled to build on Arne Slot's title-winning debut campaign. He scored seven goals and registered 10 assists in 49 appearances as his side finished fifth in the Premier League table.
"Yeah, of course I wasn't happy at all – about the season, I mean," Wirtz reflected. "I was not unhappy every day when I came to training, but I think we expected much more last season. I think we start from zero this season. Also here with this training camp, it's a new start. We have a lot of things to do better this season and I'm very excited for season two."
