Liverpool Manager Arne Slot Defends £116M Florian Wirtz Amid Slow Premier League Start

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has defended Florian Wirtz amid criticism of the German midfielder's slow start at Liverpool since his £116 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. Despite not scoring in the Premier League and only assisting twice in the Champions League, Slot emphasized Wirtz's creativity and impact in games, attributing his lack of goals to bad luck and the challenge of adapting to the Premier League's intensity. Slot highlighted the demanding schedule of playing three games in seven days and noted that Wirtz has already featured in many matches, showing promise similar to teammate Ryan Gravenberch, who also needed time to adjust. Ahead of Liverpool's crucial Champions League match against Real Madrid, Slot remains hopeful that Wirtz will soon justify his price tag and contribute goals. The coach also mentioned that Liverpool will be without key players Isak, Alisson, and Frimpong for the upcoming match. Wirtz's age and transition from a different league mean patience is needed as he adapts to the rigorous pace of English football.