There was something about Jürgen Klopp’s comments on Florian Wirtz that really caught my attention.
Rather than talking about goals, assists or spectacular moments, Klopp focused on something much simpler — Wirtz helping the team.
And honestly, I think that could be exactly what the Liverpool midfielder needs right now.
Klopp revealed that he has been keeping in touch with Wirtz and highlighted the work the 23-year-old has been putting in for Liverpool.
He pointed out that Wirtz has covered more ground than any other Liverpool player this season and said the willingness to work is clearly there.
That is important because Wirtz has come under plenty of scrutiny since arriving at Liverpool.
The price tag means supporters and pundits naturally expect something special from him.
Every game becomes a discussion about whether he has scored, assisted or produced one of those magical moments we saw so often during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.
But Klopp’s message is basically: stop judging him solely on that.
And I completely agree.
Klopp could give Wirtz exactly what he needs
Klopp said Liverpool and Germany need to make Wirtz feel comfortable and that the team needs to work collectively so individual players can shine.
He also made the excellent point that there should be nothing wrong with Wirtz having a game where he gives everything, doesn’t score or assist, but still helps his team win.
That is a really important message.
Imagine Wirtz playing 90 minutes, pressing, running, creating space, linking play and helping Liverpool win 2-0.
He doesn’t score.
He doesn’t assist.
And suddenly people are asking whether he’s “working out”.
That’s madness.
As Klopp basically said, there are just as many reasons to say that Wirtz is working.
This isn’t about lowering expectations
I don’t think Klopp is saying we shouldn’t expect brilliance from Wirtz.
Quite the opposite.
We all know the ability is there.
We’ve already seen glimpses of what he can do in a Liverpool shirt, and he has produced special moments since arriving at Anfield.
But perhaps the best way to unlock more of that is to remove some of the pressure surrounding him.
And this is where I think Klopp could be brilliant for him.
Wirtz is now working with Iraola at Liverpool, while Klopp is his Germany manager. That gives the player another world-class coach who knows exactly what it takes to perform under enormous pressure. Wirtz has already spoken about making contact with Klopp and his desire to take on more responsibility at Liverpool.
Klopp can give him that confidence.
He can tell him: You don’t have to win the game on your own.
Just play your football.
Work for the team.
Make the right decisions.
And when the opportunity comes to produce something special, go and produce it.
Liverpool need to help him too
I also think this is where Liverpool’s team structure matters.
Iraola has already spoken about Wirtz’s contribution beyond statistics and has backed his ability to influence games as a No.10.
So we’re getting a consistent message from both managers.
Trust Wirtz.
Give him responsibility.
Let him settle.
Don’t turn every game into a referendum on whether the transfer fee was justified.
Because he’s still adapting.
He’s still learning his teammates.
He’s still learning the demands of English football.
And he’s playing in a Liverpool team that is still being moulded by a new manager.
I genuinely believe there is a huge player in there.
And if Klopp can help Wirtz rediscover that freedom and confidence with Germany, while Iraola continues to build the right environment for him at Liverpool, we could eventually see the very best version of him.
So when Wirtz has a game where he doesn’t score or assist but runs his heart out and helps Liverpool win?
I’ll take that.
Because the special moments will come.
And I have a feeling Jürgen Klopp could play a pretty big part in bringing them back.
Jamie (The Kopite View)
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