German midfielder Florian Wirtz struggled to hit the heights last season with the Reds having cost a significant transfer fee but he hopes to fulfil his ambitions this term.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool
Florian Wirtz faces a crucial season ahead in his Liverpool career(Image: (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images))
Florian Wirtz has confessed he arrived at Liverpool to win the Premier League and that remains the target heading into this season.
The German joined the club back last year but it came at a point of transition for the Reds who would ultimately end their campaign in a disappointing fifth spot having lifted the trophy the season prior. Wirtz had a stop-start season at Anfield last term but the former Bayer Leverkusen star hopes to enjoy a successful season this year with the English top flight winners' medal still the target.
A frustrating 2-2 opening day draw against Newcastle United was the result on matchday one and Wirtz was nowhere near his best. So improvement is necessary for the 23-year-old if he is to realize his dreams. And yet, the tunnel vision for Wirtz and his ambition is what wakes him up in the morning.
Speaking to Sky Sports Germany, Wirtz acknowledged that the league title is the main target. And he wants to play his part in bringing that back to Anfield after it spent the year with Arsenal.
"It's quite simple. I think that's why I came here, because I want to achieve something with the club," Wirtz said. "Liverpool has always won titles or at least competed for them. And yes, that's where we want to be again, and I want to contribute to that."
Wirtz seems confident in his own abilities as a midfield player but winning a league goes beyond any individual player.
Andoni Iraola speaks during an interview with The Anfield Wrap
Andoni Iraola has given his first impressions of Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz(Image: The Anfield Wrap)
Only a handful of new recruits have arrived at the club so far this summer and time is running out for head coach Andoni Iraola to add many more before transfer deadline day.
Bradley Barcola is close to a switch after a summer saga but Iraola may have some rabbits to pull from hats if he is to bolster his squad properly.
But that's what the Spaniard can do. Wirtz himself spoke on where his boss is going right with his squad and the style of exciting play he hopes to have his players implement to bring success back.
"He simply wants to play high-energy, attacking football. Lots of pressing," Wirtz added when asked by Sky Germany about the gaffer.
"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."