Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged new Reds boss Andoni Iraola to make Florian Wirtz a central figure in attack, stating that giving the German playmaker the ball in advanced areas is key to unlocking opposing defences.
Klopp's Advice on Wirtz
Speaking as a pundit for German channel Magenta TV during Germany's 2-1 World Cup win over Ivory Coast on Saturday, Klopp emphasised the importance of involving Wirtz high up the pitch. “The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought, just give him the ball,” said Klopp. He added that even if Wirtz is not the best passing option, teammates should still feed him to boost his confidence: “If I were Nico Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does.”
Klopp stressed that Wirtz should not drop deep to collect possession. “He shouldn't drop back and get the ball from his own penalty area and we expect him to start making plays,” he explained. “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.”
Wirtz's First Season at Liverpool
Wirtz joined Liverpool last summer as a marquee signing under then-manager Arne Slot, who had succeeded Klopp two years earlier. Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season but was dismissed this summer after a disappointing campaign. Iraola has now taken over at Anfield.
In his debut season, Wirtz scored seven goals in 49 appearances across all competitions, finishing behind captain Virgil van Dijk, who scored eight. However, his creative output was notable: he registered eight assists. After a slow start adapting to English football, his form improved around the turn of the year before injury setbacks. Under Iraola's more attacking system, Wirtz is expected to increase his assist tally.
World Cup Performance
Wirtz played the full 90 minutes in Germany's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday, following a 7-1 thrashing of Curacao. Two goals from substitute Deniz Undav secured the win, ensuring Germany finish top of Group E.
