Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was far from happy with what he saw from his former side during a frustrating first half against Bournemouth, with Florian Wirtz coming in for criticism
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 03: Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on May 03, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher wasn't happy with what he saw from Liverpool against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
Jamie Carragher couldn’t hide his frustration with Liverpool during the first half of the Reds’ Premier League encounter with Bournemouth, with Florian Wirtz the subject of his ire.
The Reds made the journey to Andoni Iraola’s former team looking for just a second league win of the season after what has been a mixed start to the campaign. Having rotated his squad in the week against Tottenham though, hopes were high that the visitors would look fresher compared to their goalless draw with Fulham the previous week.
The opening exchanges at the Vitality Stadium proved to be a frustrating watch for Liverpool fans though as Iraola’s side had to soak up plenty of pressure, and Wirtz’s performance came in for particular scrutiny.
The German international has been a talking point again this week, with both Iraola and Jurgen Klopp jumping to his defense amid recent criticism, with the latter having selected him in his first Germany squad.
Carragher though was less than impressed with what he saw from Wirtz as Liverpool toiled against Bournemouth.
After seeing the ball roll straight to the goalkeeper when Wirtz tried to play Isak in, Carragher exclaimed while commentating for Sky Sports: "That is really poor. He's been really poor again.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Florian Wirtz of Liverpool during the Premier League 2026/27 match between AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool FC at Vitality Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Bournemouth, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz struggled again in Liverpool's game against Bournemouth(Image: Getty Images)
"I know I'm seen as a big critic of Florian Wirtz, but... It's just nothing. Nothing is happening there at all."
Asked if the criticism is made easier to give after the sort of performance Wirtz produced in the first half, Carragher responded: "Well, I actually think in the main, I think people have been very understanding of his situation: new into the league, Liverpool last season weren't at their best.
"I don't think he's had too much criticism whatsoever, when you actually think about what Liverpool spent on him, and what Liverpool thought they were getting.”
Content Image
Content Image
Wirtz’s assist record was then flagged up, with the German having only recorded one so far this season, leadin Carragher to say: "I mean, listen. When you've gone for that price tag, people want goals and assists."
Carragher's latest comments come after Iraola backed up Klopp's defense of Wirtz during the week, with both insisting that he shouldn't be judged any differently to the rest of his teammates.
"How does the team play when you are on the pitch?" Iraola commented. "I am very happy with Florian, he understands what we need in every aspect of the game. We want to add assists and goals, but he is helping us in all areas."