Florian Wirtz, who made his name as one of Bayer Leverkusen’s brightest young talents, has admitted that his move to the Premier League has come with difficulties. The German international chose Liverpool as his next step, turning down interest from Bayern Munich, but the transition has been far from smooth.
In an interview with Sky Germany, Wirtz explained that his current output in England is not yet on the same level as what fans saw from him in the Bundesliga. He suggested that the style of play at his new club, and his role within it, may be influencing how often he can showcase his natural creativity.
Adapting to a demanding role
The midfielder noted that his on-ball decisions are happening faster than before, and this could be affecting his ability to create chances. “It could be that I’m trying to pass the ball faster,” Wirtz admitted. He recalled a recent conversation with his manager, where they discussed why he may not be finding himself in the same positions as in Germany.
According to Wirtz, the system at Liverpool requires relentless pressing and an intense physical output. “I’m making the game fast with a dribble or a pass,” he explained. “The coach said it might be because we press a lot, and I run a lot. For example, the running stats: I’m always at the top there because I try to push hard and do what the coach asks.”
This work rate comes with a cost. Wirtz admitted that while the effort helps the team defensively, it may leave him with less energy when it is his turn to take control of the ball. “I need a lot of strength and energy for that. When I have the ball, I might be lacking a little bit,” he said.
Confidence in gradual progress
Even though the early months have been challenging, Wirtz believes the situation will improve with time. He is convinced that his fitness and comfort in the Premier League will develop step by step. “As I play more games, get fitter, and be able to do things more easily, then, when I have the ball, I’ll be fit enough and recovered enough to push hard,” he stated.
Wirtz made it clear that patience is key. The demands of Liverpool’s system are high, but he is determined to find the balance between his defensive work and his attacking influence. For the club, the goal will be to unlock the version of Wirtz that dazzled in the Bundesliga—while still benefiting from the pressing intensity that makes him stand out in Jürgen Klopp’s setup.