Julian Nagelsmann Defends Florian Wirtz After Slow Start At Liverpool

‎Germany coach, Julian Nagelsmann, has defended Florian Wirtz amid criticism of his early performances at Liverpool.

‎Nagelsmann said the midfielder’s slow start is a natural part of adapting to the Premier League’s pace and physicality. The 22-year-old joined Liverpool in June after a standout spell with Bayer Leverkusen.

‎The club paid a record £100 million, with an additional £16 million in potential bonuses for the German international.

‎However, Wirtz has yet to register a goal or an assist in seven Premier League matches for the reigning champions.

‎”Even though he hasn’t scored any goals, he is still the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,” Nagelsmann told Sport 1 after Germany’s 4-0 home win over Luxembourg in a World Cup qualifier.

‎”It’s not his fault if his teammates don’t convert them, and the statistics don’t even tell the whole story.”

‎Wirtz joined Leverkusen from Cologne in 2020 and quickly emerged as one of the Bundesliga’s top talents, tallying 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for the club.

‎But his move to Anfield has come amid Liverpool’s challenges this season, as the team has lost three consecutive matches.

‎Liverpool’s record signing, Alexander Isak, has looked off the pace following a shortened pre-season.

‎Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has struggled to replicate his record-breaking form, scoring just five times in his last 21 appearances for the Reds.

‎”Wirtz needs to get used to the league. I saw him playing with total freedom. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work,” Nagelsmann said.

‎”He hasn’t always had it easy he’ll have to work hard now too.”