Florian Wirtz may have shone again in Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Burnley, but that came as little consolation to him.
There isn’t much to like about the Reds at present, but the performances of Wirtz have been hugely encouraging.
The German opening the scoring with a clinical strike at home to Burnley, meaning he now has six goal contributions in his last seven appearances.
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Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com after the game, Wirtz couldn’t hide his disappointment at another below-par afternoon for Liverpool.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 17, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz celebrates after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“It feels like a defeat,” Wirtz bemoaned.
“When we had so many shots and so many on target, I think we had to score more goals.
“But some days are like this – you try everything but in the end it doesn’t go in the goal.
“We only take one point but I can only say [in] the next game we go again and try to do better.”
Wirtz happy with his own form
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, January 17, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz (R) celebrates with team-mates Curtis Jones (L) and Milos Kerkez after scoring the first goal during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Burnley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Discussing his current form, Wirtz was in more positive spirits, though, focusing on how his relationship with his teammates has improved.
“I think I’m feeling good on the pitch,” he added.
“Also the connections with the teammates are really good now – we understand each other better on the pitch and I feel this.
“It gives me more confidence and makes [it] more fun to play.”
Wirtz a rare positive amid Liverpool’s struggles
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Monday, January 12, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz celebrating as he assists his side's fourth goal during the FA Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and Barnsley FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Wirtz made a slow start at Liverpool, with his £116 million price tag potentially weighing heavily on him, as well as adjusting to the power of the Premier League.
The 22-year-old is now coming to the fore, though, delivering consistent end product and looking stronger in a physical sense.
Granted, Wirtz isn’t performing at a world-class level every week, but considering the struggling team he is playing in, there is a lot to like.
Xabi Alonso continues to be linked with replacing Arne Slot as Liverpool boss, and if the latter is relieved of his duties, few may benefit more than Wirtz.
He and Alonso excelled at Bayer Leverkusen, winning the Bundesliga title in 2023/24, so the former Reds midfielder knows how to get the best out of him.
It remains to be seen what will happen in that respect, but either way, Wirtz’s form is a much-needed positive in a taxing period for Liverpool.