Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz has come in for criticism following his performance against Bournemouth, not least from Jamie Carragher, with the German sending a message to fans
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz of Liverpool.(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz took to Instagram following Liverpool's victory against Bournemouth in the final match before an extended international break.
Alexander Isak's second-half strike secured a 1-0 win for the Reds at the Vitality Stadium, with the German peripherally involved in the build-up as he made an initial attempt to connect with Cody Gakpo's low cross. The playmaker was hauled off in the 71st minute, however, after a disappointing display, with Trey Nyoni introduced as his replacement.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher was scathing in his assessment of Wirtz during the clash on the south coast, later reiterating his criticism on his post-match Sky Sports podcast.
By contrast, Reds head coach Andoni Iraola moved to defend the 23-year-old's performance, though he conceded that Wirtz had taken time to find his feet against Bournemouth.
The German has faced mounting scrutiny for both club and country since completing his $157 million (£116 million) switch from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Criticism of his displays back in his homeland intensified following Germany's early World Cup exit, while he has managed just one assist from six appearances for the Reds so far this season.
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 20: Liverpool's Florian Wirtz during the pre-match warm-up 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 David Horton - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Florian Wirtz has come in for heavy criticism following his latest Liverpool performance(Image: Getty Images)
Club soccer now enters a three-week hiatus for the extended September/October international break following Liverpool's triumph over Bournemouth, with Wirtz named in the second of two separate squads selected by new national team manager Jurgen Klopp.
The German national team boss has also robustly defended the midfielder against his detractors. Ahead of the international break, the 23-year-old turned to social media to respond to the Reds' most recent triumph.
Posting an image of himself striking the ball at the Vitality Stadium on his Instagram story, Wirtz wrote: "Into the international break with a win," accompanied by flexed biceps and flame emojis.
Wirtz will now join up with Germany at the end of the month for their third and fourth Nations League fixtures as they welcome Serbia before making the trip to Greece.
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As a result, he will avoid traveling to the Netherlands and hosting Greece, with Klopp's squad instead participating in Germany's opening two Nations League matches.
The former Anfield manager's choice to divide his squad will undoubtedly be welcomed at Liverpool, with Wirtz not being overextended during international duty before returning to club football.
The Reds' next outing sees them welcome Premier League table-toppers Manchester City on 11 October. Liverpool faces each of the current top four teams in the Premier League, also coming up against Brentford, Brighton, and Arsenal soon.
Liverpool.com says: Carragher's criticism has split Reds fans somewhat. On the one hand, Wirtz needs to be offering a lot more. On the other, it is still relatively early days, given he is only 23. Hopefully, spending some time with Klopp and Germany can help restore some confidence ahead of a crucial period of the campaign.