Arne Slot has dismissed Arsène Wenger's claim that playing Florian Wirtz as a No 10 has 'destroyed Liverpool's midfield', insisting the £116m signing will prove a special talent in any role. Wirtz impressed off the left in the Champions League win over Real Madrid, after struggling centrally in the Premier League, where he is yet to score or assist before Sunday's trip to Manchester City.
Wenger, speaking on beIN Sports, argued that Wirtz demanded to play as a No 10, forcing Liverpool to drop Dominik Szoboszlai and revert to last season's title-winning midfield. Slot acknowledged the midfield change improved performances, but believes Wirtz needs time to adapt to teammates. 'He will have great performances as a midfielder for Liverpool as well,' Slot said.
City were interested in Wirtz but baulked at the financial package, while Wirtz's camp cited doubts over Pep Guardiola's future. Slot, who hopes to have Alexander Isak back from injury, insisted Wirtz can become a dominant figure as a No 10 or inverted winger, noting his success in those roles for Bayer Leverkusen and Germany.
Slot also defended his frequent team changes, citing injuries to Alexis Mac Allister, Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong and Isak. He expressed frustration at criticism, pointing to a missed second yellow card for Vinícius Júnior in the Real Madrid match as an example of decisions going against his side.
