Bayern Munich star defends Florian Wirtz’s start at Liverpool – “Give him time” | OneFootball

Florian Wirtz Backed To Flourish At Liverpool

Florian Wirtz has not arrived at Anfield with fireworks and fanfare, yet there is a growing consensus within the game that patience is not only recommended, it is essential. Liverpool supporters have waited decades for a squad equipped with both immediate firepower and long-term vision, and Wirtz belongs firmly in the latter category.

Serge Gnabry Steps Up For His Germany Teammate

While former figures such as Jurgen Klinsmann and Shay Given have already urged caution, the most compelling endorsement has come from someone who knows Wirtz inside out, Bayern Munich’s Serge Gnabry.

Speaking via @iMiaSanMia on X, the winger made his stance clear.

“We all try to help each other as teammates, especially the ones in a difficult situation,” Gnabry said.

“I don’t have the impression that Flo is not doing well. He’s laughing and training well. Nobody doubts his qualities, and he shouldn’t either.

“Give the guy some time, it was a big move – but he has huge qualities and I’m certain that he will succeed.”

It is not hollow sympathy. Gnabry played through his own early struggles at Arsenal and Bayern before becoming one of Germany’s most dangerous wide forwards. If anyone understands adaptation at elite level, it is him.

Photo: IMAGO

Signs Of Progress Under Arne Slot

Arne Slot, fresh from winning the Premier League in his debut season with Liverpool, has managed Wirtz intelligently. Rather than locking him into a single position, Slot has rotated the 22-year-old between central and wide roles to identify where his creativity best serves the system.

Statistically, the early indicators are promising. According to FBref, Wirtz already ranks inside Liverpool’s top three for key passes and shot-creating actions. These are not numbers of a lost talent, they are the figures of a player bedding in with purpose.

Alexander Isak, another major summer signing, has shown flickers of understanding with Wirtz that suggest something is simmering. When the tempo finally aligns, that partnership could become one of the Premier League’s most difficult to track.

Long-Term Vision Worth The Wait

Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen after producing 31 goal contributions in 2024/25 and winning consecutive Player of the Year awards. That output does not vanish overnight because of a change in environment.

Klinsmann framed it well when he said Wirtz is “having to fight his way through step by step” but insisted his mentality is built for Liverpool. Shay Given went further, calling him a “diamond waiting to explode”.

Liverpool fans have seen what happens when talent meets trust. Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, even Luis Díaz all needed time before becoming indispensable. Wirtz belongs in that conversation, and Serge Gnabry’s message cuts through all the noise.