Andoni Iraola was quick to defend Florian Wirtz despite the German enduring another below-par performance in Liverpool's win over Bournemouth
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool's win over Bournemouth
Florian Wirtz during Liverpool's win over Bournemouth(Image: (Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images))
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Andoni Iraola has defended Florian Wirtz after he again came in for criticism during Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over AFC Bournemouth. The German, who joined the Reds in an £116m switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, endured a difficult performance before being withdrawn in the 71st minute for Trey Nyoni.
The 23-year-old has been the subject of increased scrutiny for his performances for both club and country over the past year after a challenging first season on Merseyside and suffering a premature 2026 World Cup exit with Germany.
Registering just one assist from six appearances so far this season, Wirtz’s fortunes have not improved during what has been a quiet start to the new campaign.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was highly critical of the German during the Reds’ win at Bournemouth, insisting the 23-year-old should now be dropped by Iraola following another poor display.
However, the Basque was quick to defend the playmaker following the final whistle - even if he did concede that Wirtz had started slowly against Bournemouth.
"He started the game slowly, I agree,” Iraola told Sky Sports. “The first minute they went quite intense and we were not quite with us.
“The duels in the middle. After that first phase, I think we improved. Florian has helped us also to improve.
"Second half he was playing much better, he was finding better spots to receive and turn.
“Probably we haven’t found the last part or moment to score but I think I’m much more happy with his second half than his first one.”
Iraola's defence of the playmaker came after Germany national coach Jurgen Klopp had also spoken up for Wirtz, insisting there should be less pressure on the German and that onlookers should realign their expectations of him.
But that did not prevent Carragher from slaughtering Wirtz in a scathing rebuke of the German’s performance on the South coast.
"That was one of the poorest I've ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt,” he said on his post-matchSky Sports podcast. "I've been critical of the fact that he hasn't got the numbers.
“But normally when you watch Wirtz, he's neat and tidy, he keeps possession, there's things that you like. He gets out of a tight situation where you're normally expecting your player to lose the ball.
"But the reason I worry is, I don't think Wirtz is in poor form since he came to Liverpool. I actually think what we're seeing is what he is.
"And I was worried for Wirtz probably 12 months ago. And maybe that was a little bit early to say that, but I didn't say it. It was just in the back of my head.
"I commentated on Liverpool away at Burnley and Liverpool won with a late penalty from Mo Salah. And when I was watching that game it was what I've seen for the last 12 months: I don't see how he's going to hurt you. It's just neat and tidy. And in some way, the price tag for that type of player should be half of what Liverpool have paid.
"The worry for Wirtz now is that his performances so far, or what he's given Liverpool, is so low. Where we were expecting him was to take Liverpool to another league title, to take Liverpool to a Champions League.
"The gap he's got to get to almost justify what people were expecting, I almost think is too big. You can't get there. Even if he improves a bit and gets there, it's still not what Liverpool thought they were getting.
"And it's not just Wirtz, it's the knock-on effect. So when he plays at No 10, it means Dominik Szoboszlai has to play central midfield. I don't think Szoboszlai is a central-midfield player, I don't.”
He continued: "I think going forward Iraola's got a decision to make here. Wirtz would not be in my Liverpool team.
"I thought this Bournemouth game was a big game for Wirtz. Because if he doesn't produce [against Bournemouth], he's then going to have a three-week break.
“By the time we come back, we're into October. Before you know it, it'll be Christmas in six to eight weeks, or it'll feel like we're getting to Christmas. He has to do something…
"Wirtz wouldn't be in my Liverpool team. Manchester City at home, for me, he can't be in the team.
"The things I've liked so far about Iraola, he's had the courage to make big decisions. Ryan Gravenberch has just signed a hefty contract on a five-year deal on massive money, because they thought him and Szoboszlai were going to be the future of the midfield going forward. He's not playing.
"Now, I can imagine the guys at the top of the club looking at that, thinking we've just given him a hefty contract. But no, he's not playing.
"The full-back situation, he keeps changing the full-backs, he's dropped Jeremie Frimpong straight away. Milos Kerkez has been in and out. So he's made decisions.
"But sooner or later he's going to have to make a decision on Florian Wirtz, and, for me, I hope it's sooner. Not because I don't like Florian Wirtz, I'm desperate for the kid to do well. I just want Liverpool to win. That's it, basically.”