Jurgen Klopp has outlined how to get the best out of Florian Wirtz while analysing his performances for Germany, arguing that he “can’t keep dropping back.”
Wirtz at times struggled with the weight of expectation last season, having attracted fierce scrutiny following his £116 million move to Liverpool.
There was a sense that the 23-year-old was almost required to be too involved in Arne Slot‘s system, with Wirtz relied upon in buildup play as well as in the final third.
Speaking during Magenta Sport’s coverage of Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast, Klopp gave a detailed analysis of the No. 7’s game and said the key to unlocking his potential is to “just give him the ball.”
MUNICH, GERMANY - Friday, June 14, 2024: Germany's Florian Wirtz during the opening UEFA Euro 2024 Group A match between Germany and Scotland at the Allianz Arena. Germany won 5-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“The important thing is that we involve him in the game. There were moments against Curacao when I thought, just give him the ball,” the legendary Liverpool manager said.
“Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a team-mate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good.
“If I were Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does.
“If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when the lad feels completely at home.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, March 28, 2026: Liverpool's assistant manager Jürgen Klopp (L) speaks to former England hockey player Sam Quek and comedian Iain Stirling (R) for LFCTV before the LFC Foundation match between Liverpool FC Legends and Borussia Dortmund Legends at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Furthermore, Klopp explained his belief that, like at Liverpool, Wirtz can be too heavily involved in his own half, with the 59-year-old impressed by his work rate but saying he “can’t do everything himself.”
“I was incredibly grateful to him. I thought he was really, really good, especially in how tactically disciplined he was,” Klopp said of Wirtz’s performance against Curacao.
“But now we have to play through him. And that’s on us.
“He can’t keep dropping back to his own penalty area, pick up the ball and do everything himself.
“We have to find situations where we can use him in those positions, because his positioning creates so much space for Nmecha, for Adeyemi, for everyone making runs into those areas.
“‘Sacrificing himself’ is completely the wrong word, but he puts himself at the service of the team. I really liked that. That’s why I thought it was a really good game.”
Wirtz went on to play a key role in Germany’s comeback victory over Ivory Coast, with the second-most touches (103), chances created (two), duels contested (17), recoveries (nine) and expected assists (0.42), per FotMob.
Liverpool target Yan Diomande started on the left wing, like Wirtz, with the 19-year-old creating the opening goal for Franck Kessie.