Liverpool star Florian Wirtz enjoyed his best performance for club and country in Jurgen Klopp's first win as Germany manager
Jurgen Klopp was left delighted by Florian Wirtz after the Liverpool playmaker starred for Germany.
Jurgen Klopp was left delighted by Florian Wirtz after the Liverpool playmaker starred for Germany(Image: Getty Images)
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Jurgen Klopp couldn't hide his happiness for Liverpool star Florian Wirtz after his match-winning performance for Germany. The iconic Reds manager shared an embrace with the under-fire playmaker after his goal and assist earned a first international win for the 59-year-old.
Klopp made a beeline for the 23-year-old, hugging the former Bayer Leverkusen man following his role in their 2-0 win over Serbia to kick off the famous tactician's tenure in the national team hotseat. Wirtz provided the opener for Bayern Munich midfielder Tom Bischof on the stroke of half-time when his mazy run into the box ended with his poked effort striking the post, falling to Bischof who fired into the roof of the net.
The £116million Liverpool man created six chances in his outing, completing 94 percent of his passes during the contest and doubled the scoreline on the hour mark.
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Maximilian Mittelstadt played through to Wirtz, his first touch left the defender in his wake before wrongfooting the Serbian shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic.
It's a much-needed boost for Wirtz after his struggles at Anfield following his lucrative move to the Premier League. So far, the German has failed to live up to his price-tag and despite the summer change of managers, which saw Andoni Iraola replace Arne Slot, Wirtz hasn't been immune to criticism.
Klopp said: "The way we want to play fits Flo Wirtz. I believe that everyone in Liverpool is very happy today. The boy is bursting with joy for the game and has worked his butt off."
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Florian Wirtz and Jurgen Klopp embraced after the final whistle
Florian Wirtz and Jurgen Klopp embraced after the final whistle(Image: X / @inamediaa)
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However, the sparks of quality that he displayed in an important win for Germany could be the springboard for success in a Liverpool shirt.
Supporters on social media expressed their hope that Thursday's performance will be the catalyst to his best moments on Merseyside so far.
One wrote: "I just fell on my knees. I wish they were in red."
Another said: "Hope he performs well for us after the break."
A Liverpool supporter added: "Hoping this gives him the confidence he needs."
Where Wirtz stands in Klopp's thinking is no surprise with the 23-year-old wearing the armband after Serge Gnabry was brought off at half-time. Speaking after the win, he said: "It was incredibly fun. Everyone gave their all on the pitch. We stuck to the game plan and did almost everything right
"It's something special. It wasn't on my to-do list, but it makes you proud. Nevertheless, I tried to keep pushing and make sure we got the win. We succeeded.
"The players around me made it easy for me. We had a lot of movement. That's when you can really shine."