Klopp Backs Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz After Germany Squad Call-Up
Jürgen Klopp has named Florian Wirtz in his 44-man Germany squad and moved quickly to defend the Liverpool midfielder from mounting criticism over his Premier League form.
Klopp wants the focus shifted away from goals, assists and individual highlight moments, insisting Wirtz must be judged by his contribution to the team. The Germany boss has stayed in contact with the 2025 Liverpool signing and says the priority is making the 22-year-old feel settled in the national set-up.
Quick facts
- Wirtz has been selected in Klopp’s 44-player Germany group.
- The squad includes experienced internationals and 16 players who could make their senior debuts.
- Wirtz has scored 11 goals and supplied 14 assists in 45 Germany appearances since his 2021 debut.
- His first Liverpool campaign brought seven goals and 10 assists in 49 matches.
- Recent criticism intensified after Liverpool’s draw with Fulham.
Wirtz joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a major 2025 transfer, arriving with huge expectations after his rise in Germany. His inconsistent early displays in England have prompted regular debate over his influence, particularly after the Fulham stalemate.
Klopp rejected the suggestion that Wirtz is failing. He said the midfielder should be allowed to play for the collective rather than being expected to produce a decisive moment in every match.
The manager also argued that post-match analysis too often reduces a player’s performance to whether he scored or created a goal. In Klopp’s view, a 1-0 or 2-0 win can still include an effective Wirtz display, even if he does not appear on the scoresheet.
He stressed that effort and tactical work must be recognised, saying Germany need to give Wirtz the confidence that a hard-working performance can be more than enough for the side.
What happens next: Wirtz will look to use the international break to strengthen his place in Klopp’s new Germany group, with the coach making clear that the midfielder remains central to his plans despite the scrutiny around his Liverpool form.
