
Anfield Index
·12 Oktober 2025
“It’s not his fault!” – Julian Nagelsmann blames Liverpool teammates for Florian Wirtz’s struggles

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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·12 Oktober 2025
Liverpool fans expected fireworks from Florian Wirtz after his nine-figure transfer from Bayer Leverkusen. Instead, his Premier League introduction has been more quiet than explosive. No goals, no assists, and questions starting to circulate around whether the £100m investment will pay off. Yet inside the German camp, there is no panic at all.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has publicly stepped in to protect his star midfielder from early criticism. When speaking to Sport 1, he was firm in his assessment. “Even if he hasn’t scored a goal, he’s the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League,” Nagelsmann insisted when asked about Wirtz. It is a statistic many will be surprised to hear, particularly given the narrative surrounding the youngster.
Wirtz’s productivity may not be visible on highlight reels, but data is clearly on his side. His movement between the lines has helped Liverpool dominate possession in most fixtures this season, even if the final touch has been lacking elsewhere. Nagelsmann made that very point, adding: “It’s not his fault if his team-mate doesn’t create them, and the statistic isn’t even a third of the truth. He simply has to get used to the league.”
Photo: IMAGO
Adaptation to English football is rarely instant. Liverpool under Arne Slot have been aggressive in transition and relentless in tempo, a style that requires instinctive chemistry to flourish. Wirtz is still developing that rhythm with his new forward partners, but the signs are encouraging beneath the surface.
Pressure can weigh heavily on high-value signings, particularly creative players expected to transform games on their own. Nagelsmann dismissed any concerns over Wirtz’s mentality. “I’ve seen him feel completely liberated. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work. Not everything has always been handed to him, he’ll work hard now, too.”
That attitude reflects exactly why Liverpool pushed so hard to secure his signature. His intelligence in tight spaces, vision on the half-turn and ability to disguise passes will become vital assets across a long season.
With Liverpool challenging on multiple fronts, Wirtz’s influence will only grow as familiarity builds around him. Supporters remain eager for goals and assists to accompany the promise, but patience is often the difference between quick judgment and long-term reward.
Julian Nagelsmann may be speaking from an international perspective, yet his message will resonate across Anfield. Florian Wirtz is not struggling, he is adjusting. When his teammates begin to read his intentions in the final third, the numbers will follow.