Nagelsmann defends Wirtz’s slow start at Liverpool

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has defended Florian Wirtz, saying the 22-year-old midfielder’s slow start at Liverpool is simply part of his adjustment to the Premier League.

Liverpool broke their then transfer record in June by signing the Germany international from Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen for a guaranteed fee of 100 million pounds ($140 million) and up to 16 million pounds in potential bonuses.

However, Wirtz has yet to register a goal or 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 stats don’t even tell the whole story.”

Wirtz joined Leverkusen from Cologne in 2020 and quickly established himself as one of the Bundesliga’s brightest talents, with 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 appearances for Leverkusen.

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But his arrival at Anfield has coincided with Liverpool’s problems this season, with the club suffering three straight defeats.

Liverpool’s record signing Alexander Isak appears to be off the pace after a curtailed pre-season, while Mohamed Salah has failed to match his record-breaking form, scoring five goals in his last 21 games for the Reds.

«Wirtz has to get used to the competition. I have seen him play with total freedom. He knows what he is capable of and how things work,» said Nagelsmann.

“It hasn’t always been easy for him – he will have to work hard now too.”

Published on October 12, 2025