Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann gives his verdict on Florian Wirtz’s adaptation period at Liverpool and defends the £116m man’s start at Anfield
Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz is all smiles during a Germany training session at adidas Homeground on October 12, 2025(Image: Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann says it will be normal for Florian Wirtz to endure some “rough days” as he attempts to prove himself at Liverpool. But the iconic striker insists he has no concerns the £116m man will eventually show at Anfield exactly why he is so highly regarded in his homeland.
Florian Wirtz has yet to hit the heights that he displayed while at Bayer Leverkusen since making his move to Merseyside, with the Reds losing their last three games prior to the international break.
The creative midfielder hasn’t created an assist or scored a goal for his new club but Klinsmann says the Germany international should be given patience as he tries to settle and adjust into his new surroundings at the age of 22.
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And the former Tottenham Hotspur forward says such a tough adaptation period is to be expected for a young player moving countries to a new league in a chat with ESPN.
“I think it’s simply natural that a kid of 22 years of age, you know, going to another huge, huge club, with the package of a huge transfer fee, will need some time, you know,” Klinsmann said.
“Florian needs more time to settle in, to feel the place, to feel more comfortable every day. He will deliver, I’ve no doubt about it but it will take some time and we have to be patient for that.
“You know some do it differently, look at Nick Woltemade (at Newcastle United), four goals in seven games but I am sure that Florian will not disappoint, it will just take a bit of time.
“Where does he play? That’s not an easy one because they are overloaded with top-class players. This Liverpool side is just incredible, look at the names, what they have, how they can mix things around.
“At Leverkusen he came often from the left wing and entered the 18-yard box. He can come through the middle, he can play as a No.10 as well. So they will figure it out over time, but he will be a huge deal down the road for Liverpool.”
Germany legend Jurgen Klinsmann gave his verdict on Liverpool star Florian Wirtz to ESPN
Klinsmann added: “We have to ask Arne Slot obviously, directly [if Wirtz will get more freedom]. It is not easy for him, as a manager either.
“If you have these strikers at your disposal and these attack-minded players and you have to decide who to start in your XI every week, it’s not an easy conversation you have with these players.
“Because they are all big names, they are all hungry for every minute on the field, they want to prove their point. So from a psychological perspective, it is a lot of work for Arne Slot.
“But it will, step by step, develop in the right direction. At Liverpool you don’t have time because you need to win the next game, in all competitions. But Florian decided to make that move and he will learn every day.
“There will be some rough days in this period, to adjust. But from his perspective there was no other way to go.
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“It was clear that when Liverpool came up on the horizon to give him that opportunity and then for Leverkusen with that transfer fee as well, that was the only solution.
“And now he has to work himself into that environment and create himself the best way through and go from game to game. But it is not easy.”
Liverpool return to action when they entertain Manchester United on Sunday, October 19.