Florian Wirtz brushes off criticism as Liverpool form begins to improve

Florian Wirtz has dismissed the criticism aimed at him since his move to Liverpool, insisting he is not concerned by outside opinions as he gradually finds his form after a difficult start to life at Anfield.

The 23-year-old Germany international joined Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in summer 2025 for 125m euros, a record fee that brought high expectations. However, his early performances failed to match the excitement surrounding the transfer and prompted strong criticism, most notably from Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

Speaking to Sky, Wirtz said he paid no attention to the judgement directed at him.

“I don’t care at all what anyone says about me because I don’t pay any attention to it whatsoever,” he said.

Wirtz added that his enjoyment of football and desire to succeed remained his main motivation.

“I play football because I enjoy it. I want to be successful, and that is normal,” he said.

Asked about the amount of media commentary surrounding his performances, Wirtz smiled and replied: “Maybe I am just an interesting person.”

The remark was a sarcastic response to the level of scrutiny he has faced since arriving in the Premier League.

Carragher calls for Wirtz to be dropped

Carragher criticised Wirtz heavily after Liverpool’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester City this month, arguing that the midfielder had not done enough to decide matches in his team’s favour.

The former Liverpool defender, who made 737 appearances for the club, said he could not remember a single game in which Wirtz had been a direct reason for Liverpool winning.

Carragher also called for Liverpool manager Arne Slot to rest the player and remove him from the starting line-up, believing Wirtz had already been given enough opportunities to prove himself.

Signs of progress

Despite the criticism, Wirtz has shown signs of improvement and contributed to Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Brighton.

His shot found the net in that match, but the goal was officially recorded as an own goal by Pascal Gross. Wirtz is therefore still waiting for his first Premier League goal of the season.

“It’s okay… I will deal with it,” the German said of the chance, underlining his intention to move beyond the pressure and continue working.

Wirtz scored seven goals and provided 10 assists in 49 appearances during his first season with Liverpool. This season, he has scored once and supplied three assists in 10 matches in the Champions League.

His first European goal of the campaign came in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Villarreal, offering further encouragement as he seeks to return to his best level and justify the club-record investment.

Manchester City and Chelsea are due to feature in League Cup fixtures on 28 October 2026, with Brighton also listed to play Liverpool in the competition on the same date.