Jurgen Klopp has backed Florian Wirtz to enjoy a successful career at Liverpool and has leapt to the defence of the Germany international amid debate over the playmaker's form.
Wirtz is currently with his country's national team squad for their round of matches in the Nations League during the extended international break. He has been a regular figure in the Liverpool team this season following the appointment of Andoni Iraola, but has yet to score his first goal of the campaign, despite the £116million signing making six appearances.
Klopp explains Wirtz's form
Iraola has used Wirtz in a No.10 role in the Liverpool team this season, often tasked with linking up with striker Alexander Isak, who has four goals across five Premier League appearances this term. Wirtz's form at Liverpool this season has become a topic of debate in recent weeks, and Klopp - who was named Germany's new manager during the summer - has given his opinion on the potential reasons behind Wirtz's form.
"When you look at the full context, you will find that Florian joined Liverpool at an absolutely unfavourable time," Klopp told reporters on Saturday. "It is related to the death of Diogo Jota," Klopp added. "He [Wirtz] joined a team whose players' priority at that time was not football, which is very understandable."
Confidence and team cohesion
The former Liverpool boss continued: "He learned a lot from his first year [with Liverpool]. Now there is a new season under the leadership of a new coach, and I believe he has started every match. He is delivering a very good level physically, and the team has begun to regain its cohesion once again."
"Attacking players always need a team that works well around them. And anyone who loves football can still see how outstanding Florian Wirtz is as a player."
Klopp then concluded by saying: "We cannot do more than what we are doing here, by giving him enough training and playing time. Step by step, we give him certainty and a good feeling, and then we return him to Liverpool. I wish him all the best."
Germany squad and upcoming fixtures
Wirtz was named as one of 44 players by Klopp in his first Germany squad as the country's national team manager, but was not part of the group that faced the Netherlands on Thursday night. Germany have a double header against Greece in the Nations League during the international break, as well as a home match against Serbia.
