Jurgen Klopp has insisted the goals and assists column will not define whether Florian Wirtz is a success or not, in a passionate demand that Liverpool fans will appreciate.
Wirtz has been named in Klopp’s first Germany squad, with Liverpool’s No. 7 one of 44 players named as the former Reds boss splits his group into two squads across four games.
The international break will be the first time the pair work together, and Liverpool will be delighted that Wirtz’s development away from the club will be under Klopp’s watch.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz reacts to his side's first and equalising goal ruled out for offside during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 29, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz reacts to his side's first and equalising goal ruled out for offside during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Nottingham Forest FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Following on from Andoni Iraola rejecting the stat debate that surrounds Wirtz, Klopp emphasised the need to shift the measures of success so the 23-year-old can feel comfortable to shine.
“The exchange with Flo was very pleasant. We’re keeping in touch from time to time,” the Germany head coach told reporters at a press conference, as translated by @iMiaSanMia on X.
“I think he’s the player who covered the most ground at Liverpool this season, so the willingness is absolutely there.”
Jurgen Klopp wants to ‘make sure Wirtz feels comfortable’
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
The £116 million price tag that Wirtz has been forced to carry has made the voices demand his output is reflected on the stats sheet, but Klopp does not want him to be defined by the numbers.
“We have to move away from expecting to see special moments from him,” Klopp insisted. “He needs to help us as a team. We have to make sure that Flo feels comfortable with us.
“When the team works, then every player shines as a consequence. We need to be satisfied when Flo plays a game in which he gave everything but didn’t register a goal or assist.
“We simply need to give the boy the feeling: ‘That was more than good enough today. You helped us as a team, we won 1–0 or 2–0’.
Unexpected token '<', " Try again “And then all the experts in the world sit there and discuss why he still hasn’t worked out. There are just as many reasons to say: ‘He’s working perfectly well’. “Now let’s take the next steps together. That applies for Flo and all the others.” It is instances such as these that make you remember how lucky Liverpool were to have a manager who advocated so strongly for his players, and hopefully Wirtz will be unshackled by the freedom Klopp gives him. Liverpool FC Unveil New Signing Lucca Brughmans Liverpool FC unveil new signing Lucca Brughmans at AXA Training Centre on September 02, 2026 in Kirkby, England. (Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images) Football – Pre-Season Friendly – Liverpool FC v AS Monaco LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's head coach Andoni Iraola speaks to substitute Federico Chiesa (L) during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda) Football – Pre-Season – Liverpool FC v Wrexham AFC NEW YORK, USA - Wednesday, July 29, 2026: Liverpool's captain Dominik Szoboszlai in the line-up before a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Wrexham AFC at Yankee Stadium. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)