Florian Wirtz of Germany takes a throw in during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 last 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA on 29 June 2026. Copyright: xPeterxDovganx 45200050
Florian Wirtz of Germany takes a throw in during the FIFA World Cup, WM, Weltmeisterschaft, Fussball 2026 last 32 match between Germany and Paraguay at Gillette Stadium, Boston, USA on 29 June 2026. Copyright: xPeterxDovganx 45200050
Jurgen Klopp has made an encouraging start to life as Germany head coach, with his relationship with Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz already attracting attention.
The former Liverpool manager was appointed by the German Football Association (DFB) on 24 July after Germany were eliminated by Paraguay on penalties in the World Cup round of 32.
He officially began work on 15 August, signing a contract that runs until the summer of 2030.
Klopp left Liverpool in 2024 and subsequently worked as Red Bull’s global head of soccer. His return to management has also created a connection with Anfield, where Wirtz has been working to find his best form since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025.
The 23-year-old has endured a difficult spell at Liverpool, particularly during the early stages of this season under head coach Andoni Iraola.
Klopp’s appointment therefore offers an opportunity for the midfielder to receive guidance at international level.
Wirtz has now explained how frequently the pair communicate and what Klopp wants to achieve through their conversations.
“We talk a lot. It’s great to have a coach who is so genuinely interested in how things are going for us players at our clubs,” Wirtz said at the DFB’s Adidas farewell event in Herzogenaurach on 11 November 2026.
“You spend more time at your club, so that’s where you need to improve. The coach is very keen to help us with that.”
Klopp has also spoken positively about their relationship. When announcing his squad for the November fixtures, he revealed that he had been in regular contact with Wirtz since their first meeting and was impressed by the midfielder when he watched him train.
The pair had not spoken before Klopp’s appointment. Wirtz confirmed ahead of their first international camp that they had spoken on the phone for the first time.
Germany’s results under Klopp have been mixed, with one win, two draws and one defeat from his opening four matches. They drew 1-1 with the Netherlands, lost 1-0 at home to Greece, beat Serbia 2-0 and played out a goalless draw in Greece.
Florian Wirtz played a key role in the victory over Serbia on 1 October. He struck the post before Tom Bischof converted the rebound, then scored Germany’s second goal himself.
He also captained the side during their trip to Thessaloniki. Following the Serbia victory, Wirtz revealed that Klopp wants him to play the kind of football supporters are accustomed to seeing from him.
Klopp has similarly explained that Germany’s playing style suits the midfielder.
The statistics suggest Wirtz has benefited from the change. Before his first camp under Klopp, he had recorded one assist in six competitive matches. Since then, he has contributed two goals and four assists.
Wirtz has been included in Klopp’s 24-man squad for Germany’s remaining two Nations League fixtures. They travel to face Serbia on 13 November before hosting the Netherlands in Berlin three days later.
Germany currently sit third in Group A2 with five points, behind the Netherlands and Greece, who have eight points each.
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