Bayer Leverkusen coach Kasper Hjulmand cannot understand the criticism Florian Wirtz is currently facing. Signed by Liverpool for the second-highest transfer fee in British football history over the summer, the German international has been below par in the first two months of his career at Anfield. Hjulmand, however, is confident that Wirtz will "prove to everyone" what he is really capable of.
Wirtz yet to hit the ground running for Liverpool
After two outstanding seasons at Leverkusen under coach Xabi Alonso, Wirtz moved to Liverpool over the summer. If all bonus clauses are fulfilled, the Reds' transfer costs will amount to €150 million (£130m/$175m). So far, however, the 22-year-old has fallen far short of the high expectations.
After seven league games and two Champions League matches, Wirtz is still waiting for his first goal for the reigning English champions. In the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea before the international break, the attacking player did not make it into manager Arne Slot's starting line-up. He has also failed to score for the German national team recently. His unimpactful displays have drawn intense criticism from large sections of the media, prompting the likes of former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp and ex-international team-mate Ilkay Gundogan to come to his defence.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesKasper Hjulmand confident in Wirtz's abilities
"Come on, he's only just arrived there. Believe me, he'll prove himself to everyone. Even the experts in England. I'm sure of it," said Leverkusen boss Hjulmand in an interview with . "Show me the player who can perform at his best from day one in a new club and a new league. It's impossible. Florian is a fantastic footballer with outstanding qualities. We all know how fast-paced everything is in football: if he scores two great goals in the next two games, people will say, 'Now he's arrived.' That will be just as wrong as the recent criticism.
"Give him time, let him play – and everyone in Liverpool will see how good he is. I have no doubt that he will prove himself."
Wirtz unfazed by underwhelming start to Liverpool life
Wirtz has no qualms about the fact he will turn things around sooner rather than later. Reflecting on his early struggles at Anfield, Wirtz recently said: “I know what I can do, and I know that eventually I’ll show it fully on the pitch. So I just stay calm. That’s good advice.
“Of course, I’d like to have scored or assisted already, but I know that it will come. Sometimes things don’t go your way, but I work every day to improve. I know I can play good football, and it’s just a matter of time.”
GettyLiverpool eager to end three-game losing streak
With the international break now over, domestic duties will return this weekend. Slot's troops had lost three consecutive games heading into the international break. They will need a win against Manchester United on Sunday in order to reignite their hopes of retaining their Premier League crown.
