Florian Wirtz has faced criticism for his World Cup performances, but Liverpool's 2025 signing from Bayer Leverkusen has been backed by Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann
Ian Doyle Chief Liverpool FC Correspondent and Myriam Toua
13:29, 27 Jun 2026
Florian Wirtz has been criticized during the World Cup
Florian Wirtz has been criticized during the World Cup(Image: Jean Catuffe, Getty Images)
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has leaped to the defense of Florian Wirtz after the Liverpool attacking midfielder faced criticism for his displays at the World Cup.
Wirtz featured in all three group stage fixtures, providing assists in both the 7-1 thrashing of Curacao and the shock 2-1 defeat to Ecuador on Thursday. Despite this, German pundits have remained far from satisfied with the performances of both Wirtz and fellow creative talent Jamal Musiala.
Germany takes on Paraguay on Monday in its round of 32 encounter, with a win potentially setting up a last 16 showdown against either tournament favorites France or Alexander Isak's Sweden.
Nagelsmann remains firmly of the belief that Wirtz — who endured a challenging debut season at Liverpool following his switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer — simply needs a goal to truly ignite his tournament campaign.
"Flo was very committed and gave it his all," Germany's head coach said. "He's lacking luck. He had two or three top-notch dribbles in the penalty area. He's missing the goal.
"(Musiala) has been out for a year. We all know what he's capable of. We have to coax it out of him. The breakthrough (for Musiala and Wirtz) will definitely come on Monday."
Julian Nagelsmann has leaped to Wirtz's defence
Julian Nagelsmann has leaped to Wirtz's defence(Image: Maddie Meyer - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
Nagelsmann himself came under considerable scrutiny following Germany's defeat to Ecuador, having taken an early lead through Leroy Sane.
"It's important that we learn from our experiences," he said. "I would have made different substitutions if we still needed a win.
"On Monday, it's about giving it our all and reaching the next round. We need to dribble forward with confidence on Monday."
Speaking about playing with Wirtz earlier in the World Cup, Germany superstar Musiala said: "I’m really enjoying it. I think Flo and I play really well together.
"The whole team is in great form. No matter which position I play, I can combine with anyone. But it’s true: Flo and I harmonize very well on the field.
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"It’s simply fun to have this relaxed feel and free atmosphere on the pitch. We want to show what we’re capable of at this tournament. I push myself every day for that.
"But what I’ve learned in the meantime is to remain patient. I know that, especially after my injury, I have to be patient.
"But I also know that I have the quality to achieve the high goals I’ve set for myself one day. I’m not putting any pressure on myself."