CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Florian Wirtz has embraced the idea of playing as Liverpool’s No. 10 under Andoni Iraola after the head coach said he will use the German “behind a striker.”
Wirtz was utilised as the No. 10 and on the left wing across his debut season, a 49-game campaign that saw him struggle at times with physicality and being the difference-maker.
After the 23-year-old’s return to pre-season, Iraola explained that he plans to use Wirtz in the “position behind the striker.”
“We know that he was played more on the left sometimes, but we are going to start working with him in that position behind the striker,” Iraola said.
“We want to try to add more things to what he already has, which is very good.”
When asked about occupying the central role by the club’s official website, Wirtz was enthusiastic in response, saying: “Of course. I mean, I was always more like a No. 10.
“But I play where the manager puts me. We’ve spoken about that as well. Let’s see what happens this season.”
Speaking days after his summer break ended and he reported to Chicago for training, Wirtz also praised Iraola’s methods so far.
“I just can say that the training is really fun, I enjoyed every training [session] until now,” the German said.
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
CHICAGO, USA - Friday, July 31, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during an open training session at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of their final pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“We play a lot of games and possession, and that’s exactly what I like. I just enjoyed it until now.”
While players would not openly admit sessions were anything but positive, it is another upbeat review of the new regime after Dominik Szoboszlai admitted “what we have been missing, it’s back.”
Supporters could get their first glimpse of Wirtz in the No. 10 position when Liverpool face Leeds in their third and final pre-season match in the US on Sunday evening.
Florian Wirtz excited to meet Jurgen Klopp
Newly appointed head coach of the German national soccer team Juergen Klopp attends a news conference at the headquarters of the German Football Association DFB in Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, July 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
Newly appointed head coach of the German national soccer team Juergen Klopp attends a news conference at the headquarters of the German Football Association DFB in Frankfurt, Germany, Friday, July 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Michael Probst)
The big news following Wirtz’s exit from the World Cup and in the lead-up to his return to pre-season was the appointment of Jurgen Klopp as Germany’s new head coach.
The 59-year-old stepped back into management more than two years after leaving Liverpool, signing a deal until 2030 after Julian Nagelsmann stepped down following a disappointing tournament.
Wirtz, who has not met or spoken to Klopp yet, is excited about the prospect of working with the ex-Reds boss after hearing endless positive reviews in Liverpool.
“It’s very, very cool that he’s there now,” Wirtz said. “I’ve not spoken to him yet, but a lot of people here at the club told me about him, that he is a fantastic guy.
“All of Liverpool loves him. So, I’m very excited to meet him in a few months.”
Wirtz will have an extended first international break with Klopp after the September and October breaks were combined to create a three-week window in mid-September.
Alisson (2)
Alisson (2)
Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool USA Tour Day 11 – Liverpool Press Conference
CHICAGO, USA - Thursday, July 30, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola during a press conference at the Endeavor Health Performance Center ahead of the club's final pre-season friendly of their USA Tour, against Leeds United in Chicago. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)