Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Andoni Iraola should build his new-look Liverpool side around Florian Wirtz, offering advice to the club's new manager after analysing the playmaker's performances for Germany at the World Cup.
Iraola, who took over from Arne Slot, is plotting his strategy at Anfield and has received guidance from the club's former manager. Wirtz, whom Liverpool signed for £116 million from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, has played every minute of Germany's two World Cup matches so far, helping them beat Curacao and Ivory Coast. He has been handed the keys to the attack by Julian Nagelsmann, who has asked the 23-year-old to roam and create.
Wirtz's Debut Season and World Cup Form
Wirtz managed seven goals and 10 assists for Liverpool in 49 appearances in his debut season. At the World Cup, he has one assist from Felix Nmecha's opener in the 7-1 thrashing of Curacao but is yet to truly light up the tournament. Klopp, who never coached Wirtz after departing Anfield, is a huge fan of the diminutive midfielder and believes he needs to feel the confidence of his manager and teammates to perform at his best.
“The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought, just give him the ball,” Klopp said while analysing the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Magenta TV. “Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a team-mate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good. If I were [Nico] Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does.”
Klopp's Tactical Advice
Klopp emphasised the importance of involving Wirtz to build his rhythm and confidence. “If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when he feels completely at home. It's important to involve him because that's when Flo can feel confident and comfortable on the pitch,” he said.
He added: “He shouldn't drop back and get the ball from his own penalty area and we expect him to start making plays, we have to find moments where we can use this position, because with his positioning he creates a lot of space for the players next to him, for the full-backs and for everyone who can make runs into those spaces.”
Germany's World Cup Progress
Denis Undav was the star against Ivory Coast, coming off the bench to score twice as Germany came from behind to win. Germany have secured their place in the knockout stages, meaning Nagelsmann may rotate his side for their final Group E game against Ecuador on Thursday.
