Liverpool ace Florian Wirtz has been discussing a range of topics from his time at the club to his early impression of Andoni Iraola as head coach.
Florian Wirtz #7 of Liverpool celebrates scoring a goal during the first half during the pre-season friendly against Leeds United
Florian Wirtz has discussed his first impressions of Andoni Iraola(Image: (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images))
Florian Wirtz has revealed his thoughts on Andoni Iraola after the manager's short time at Liverpool so far, as well as his aims to continue improving at Anfield.
It follows a chaotic year since the German playmaker joined the Reds, which has involved some mixed performances, mixed results, and plenty of changes on and off the pitch.
Wirtz wasn't able to hit the heights in his first season with Liverpool, scoring seven goals and assisting ten across all competitions, with plenty of focus placed on his performances related to the fee that was paid. This campaign offers a fresh chance to assert himself, with a new manager in Iraola attempting to get the best out of the star with a new style of play.
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After a few weeks of working with the head coach, Wirtz has given his first impressions of the Spaniard, and what he thinks of the change in approach to games.
He told Sky Germany: "He simply wants to play high-energy, attacking football. Lots of pressing. The tasks are actually quite clear. Of course, we now have to work on making sure that works as a team. Not just that everyone does their job well, but that we all harmonize.
"But he's definitely made a very good impression on me. I think he's reaching a lot of players with this approach, and that we as a team understand what he wants from us. I believe that's definitely a good start, that the players believe in it, and I hope it will then be successful."
It certainly suggests that the star is settled under the new manager so far, with hope that it can help kickstart Wirtz's career at Liverpool for the better.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 23: Andoni Iraola, Manager of Liverpool, inspects the pitch before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on August 23, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola is looking to bolster his Liverpool squad with two new wingers before Tuesday's deadline (Image: Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
The forward has been on the end of plenty of criticism during his time at Anfield so far, but has also revealed that he is just as critical of his own displays.
He continued: "I've always been very, very self-critical. I think that's necessary to reach the very top, to become one of the world's best. That's always been my goal, and that's why you always have to be honest with yourself, be critical, and look at what you didn't do well and what you need to improve.
"That's why I'm always honest with myself. Of course, you don't need to dwell on something for days or weeks; life goes on every day, and that's why you have to be able to quickly get your head up again, believe in yourself again, and simply get the best out of yourself."
Liverpool will certainly hope that self belief turns into some top performances and game-winning moments moving forward, with concerns continuing over his place in the team.
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There were worrying signs when Wirtz struggled to impose himself on the Newcastle clash on the opening day, but there is still time for him to show why the Reds spent so much money to land him.
That could all start against Nottingham Forest next up, where Liverpool has a huge task to pick up a first three points of the season.