Here's the latest Liverpool news including Florian Wirtz's response to his critics and Hugo Ekitike's training behaviour
Florian Wirtz is dejected
Florian Wirtz has yet to hit the ground running at Liverpool which resulted in huge scrutiny of the German
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Liverpool continue to face heavy criticism as they strive to bounce back from yet another defeat. Their 3-0 drubbing by Manchester City marked their second consecutive loss before the international break, following a 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace in September.
After 11 matches, the current league champions find themselves in eighth place in the table, trailing league leaders Arsenal by eight points. The Reds seemed to have turned things around with victories over Aston Villa and Real Madrid, but their morale took another hit at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
As the third international break of the season commences, the two-week hiatus provides Arne Slot with another chance to pull his team out of the slump that has dogged them for nearly two months.
We delve into the latest news surrounding the Merseyside giants, including Florian Wirtz's rebuttal to his critics and a dressing room conversation between two Reds stars.
Wirtz's retort to critics
One of Liverpool's problems this season has been Florian Wirtz and his struggles to adjust to life in England's top-flight. Given that he's a player for whom the Reds shattered the British transfer record in a £100m deal, much more was certainly anticipated from the 22-year-old than what he's demonstrated in the first three months of his Liverpool career.
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Without netting or creating a goal in 11 league matches, the German has faced harsh criticism following the 3-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium from numerous former professionals, including Gary Neville.
After providing commentary for the match, the Manchester United icon discussed Wirtz's display on the Gary Neville Podcast and claimed the attacking midfielder appeared like a "little boy" throughout the encounter.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 04: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD4 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has come under huge scrutiny
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"We've been tip-toeing around him haven't we, for a few months, around the fact that he's young, coming to a new country," he remarked. "But he's £120million, you're going to have to stand up soon. He's obviously got something.
"He's a really good player and technically fantastic, but he's been mauled out there today by [Matheus] Nunes and by others. He's been chucked around the pitch and didn't deliver in the quality side of things either. His performance was a real worry.
"Wirtz is a problem, let's call it what it is. It's an issue. He's £120m and he looked like a little boy out there. It can't be the case. He's a German international of great standing and he looks well short of what you'd expect from a top physical match."
The relentless scrutiny might prove challenging for certain players to endure, though reportedly not Wirtz. Based on German outlet BILD, Wirtz has been disregarding Neville's remarks due to the animosity between Liverpool and Man United, demonstrating his self-belief that he will ultimately succeed.
Ekitike's training antics
Hugo Ekitike, despite only netting one goal since late September, has undoubtedly been Liverpool's standout summer signing. His impressive early season form earned him a call-up to the senior French squad alongside Ibrahima Konate.
Konate, in an interview with Canal+, revealed the 23-year-old's determination to succeed at both club and international level. "Once, I pulled his ears a little, but it was funny," said Konate. "We had to go to the gym after one of the training sessions and the intensity we put into training, it's true that it's very hard.
"And he was tired. I go to him and I tell him: 'Go ahead, we're going to the gym there'. And he told me: 'I'm knocked out here, I'm tired'. In fact, we don't have to go to the gym, but it's better to go, because we're like 'summoned'.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 04: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Hugo Ekitike and Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool applaud the fans after the second pre-season friendly match between Liverpool and Athletic Club Bilbao at Anfield on August 04, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has enjoyed a bright start to life at Anfield
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"I look at him and for two seconds, I don't talk to him. And I said to him: 'Do you want to go to the France team or not?' And then I leave (laughs). A minute later, he was in the dining room (ready to go the gym).
"The anecdote is a bit funny but afterwards, he quickly understood how it happened. In terms of work, he's someone who is very diligent and who will progress, I have no doubt about that."
Robertson's contract update
After last campaign's contractual saga involving Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Reds face a comparable predicament with Robertson and Konate.
Both defenders see their deals expire at the season's conclusion, and just months ago it appeared the Scottish international was poised to leave Anfield during the summer transfer window following interest from Atletico Madrid.
Nevertheless, a switch to the La Liga club failed to materialise. Despite beginning the campaign behind Milos Kerkez in the pecking order, the 31-year-old has reclaimed his place in Slot's starting XI, with speculation suggesting his impressive displays could earn him a contract extension.
Andy Robertson running
Andy Robertson revealed he has yet to begin contract talks with Liverpool
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Following the defeat to Manchester City, Robertson addressed his contractual circumstances and appeared to follow Alexander-Arnold's lead by acknowledging that any negotiations regarding his future would remain private.
Robertson commented: "I think last season everyone was bored of talking about the three lads [Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent], but for me, the relationship between me and the club has been a wonderful one. They've done everything for me and my family, and I think I've not been too bad for them either.
"Whatever happens will happen behind closed doors, and I'm relaxed about it. If it is my last year, then it's my last year. If it's not, then so be it."