"Wasn't an easy phase" – Florian Wirtz opens up on Liverpool criticism | OneFootball

After moving to Liverpool from Bayer Leverkusen in a big-money transfer last summer, Florian Wirtz initially faced heavy criticism for his performances.

In an interview with Sportschau, the German international reflects on a challenging period that he believes ultimately made him stronger.

“It wasn’t an easy phase,” Wirtz admitted.

He added that Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann told him, “It’s sometimes good that things don’t always go upwards, and that you experience a dip and grow stronger because of it.”

“That’s how I see it now as well – it has made me a bit stronger,” the 22-year-old explained.

“I had to overcome resistance and adapt. I had to learn to become stronger and hold onto the ball.”

Speaking about his relationship with Nagelsmann, Wirtz said that the coach “always supported me during the difficult phase after my move to Liverpool and always had an open ear for me. 

"He gave me tips and reassured me. That has brought us closer together.”

Wirtz will be in action for Germany when they take on Ghana in a friendly on Monday.