Liverpool manager Arne Slot has responded to claims by Arsène Wenger recently, that Florian Wirtz has “destroyed” the Reds’ midfield balance, insisting the German playmaker only needs time to adapt.
Slot backs Wirtz to succeed
Liverpool fought off Manchester City to sign Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a £116 million deal last summer, but the 22-year-old has endured a slow start to life at Anfield.
Wenger suggested his arrival disrupted the chemistry of Liverpool’s title-winning midfield, but Slot dismissed the criticism.
“Everyone has the right to an opinion,” Slot said. “If I need heart surgery, I won’t tell the surgeon what to do, but with football, everyone feels entitled to advise.
“Florian will succeed as a midfielder for Liverpool, if not now, then soon. He just needs time to adapt, and so do his teammates.”
Tactical adjustments and adaptation
Slot deployed Wirtz on the left wing during Tuesday’s Champions League victory over Real Madrid, a tactical adjustment meant to ease his transition.
The Dutch coach said Liverpool’s midfield depth, including Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai – has made integration more gradual.
“Florian was used as an inverted winger under Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen and for Germany,” Slot explained. “My job is to get him into those areas around the box where he can create magic. Once that clicks, he’ll be decisive for us.”
Focus on Team, not individual
Slot also addressed questions about Wirtz’s physicality in the Premier League, citing David Silva and Bernardo Silva as examples of smaller players who thrived through intelligence and timing.
“He has the talent,” Slot said. “It’s not just about him, it’s about the team finding him in the right spaces at the right moments.”
Looking ahead to Man City Clash
Liverpool face Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium this Sunday in a high-stakes Premier League clash. Arsenal’s strong start means defeat could leave the Reds 10 points behind the leaders.
However, Slot refused to label the game a must-win. “It’s too early to judge the table,” he said. “Let’s talk after 19 games, that’s when you know who’s truly competing.”
Slot masterminded a double over City last season, including a 2-0 win at the Etihad using an innovative 4-2-2-2 setup, and will be hoping Wirtz can soon prove his immense value in such decisive fixtures.