Florian Wirtz has revealed that Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp regularly sends him messages after Liverpool matches, and that the contact gives him confidence in his Anfield career.
Speaking at a Germany press conference on Thursday evening, Wirtz said Klopp messaged him after the Reds' 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, a game in which he scored and set up Alexander Isak.
Klopp's close interest
Wirtz is currently with Klopp's squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Serbia and the Netherlands. He paid tribute to his international coach for keeping such close tabs on his development at Liverpool.
"He'll usually send a short text after a game," Wirtz said. "He congratulates you when things went well, but he'll also tell me when things weren't good, which I also appreciate."
"It's not to be expected that the head coach of the national team would take time out of his day to also watch your club games. I'm glad that he's so interested in them."
Confidence from the Palace win
Wirtz said the goal against Crystal Palace was followed by a congratulatory message from Klopp. "Yes, he congratulated me afterwards. I think I played well. As an attacker, it gives you a boost whenever you score or provide an assist."
He added: "Sometimes, there's games where you try everything you can but you just don't play well. Once you're more involved, then that also does you a world of good."
Wirtz also discussed his role on the pitch, noting he now plays more centrally for both club and country. "Now I play a bit more in the middle, and I come from the centre. I have always rather played in the centre."
"And of course I'm also happy that I'm now playing a bit more in the middle again in the national team, although I also enjoyed my role over the past two years when I played a bit more on the wing. It's a different position; you have different actions. But I'm definitely happy now, and I feel very comfortable in the position I'm playing at the moment."
Klopp's verdict on Wirtz
Klopp said of the Liverpool No.7: "In time, Flo will settle in at Liverpool. He arrived there during a difficult period and had to carve out a place for himself. It doesn't surprise me that it will take time. When Flo is at his best, he can be extremely important to us."
