Slot defends Wirtz after slow Liverpool start
Arne Slot believes Florian Wirtz needs time to adjust to the Premier League, but feels he has had a bigger impact than people believe.
Wirtz joined the Reds from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £109.6m (€125m) in the summer, briefly breaking the British record transfer fee before the Alexander Isak deal surpassed that total.
The playmaker is yet to score a competitive goal for Liverpool, but he has provided three assists in all competitions, including two against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
Slot’s side faces a stern test in its next European bout as it hosts Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Liverpool and Madrid have faced each other on 12 previous occasions in the European Cup/Champions League, and after winning the first three matchups between 1981 and 2009, the Reds have only won one of the last nine (D1 L7).
It is unclear if Wirtz will start against Los Blancos after he was benched for their win against Aston Villa, but Slot defended the Germany international.
“For a player that comes from a different league, which is a very good league by the way, I think 9 out of 10 people would agree that the Premier League is a bit more intense,” Slot said.
“If you look at that, he's already played a lot. He's had an impact in many games but has been unlucky with the end product, either by himself or by his team mates.
“For me, he's brought exactly what we expected. A player who can create a lot for the team.”
“I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone that if you're 22/23 [years old], you come from a different league, that you might need some time to adjust to that intensity if you play every three days.”
Liverpool is also set to be without Isak, Alisson and Jeremie Frimpong for its upcoming clash at Anfield.
However, Isak, who has missed the last three games through injury, could return to face Manchester City on Monday.
“All three are not available for tomorrow,” Slot added in his pre-Madrid press conference.
“Jeremie and Alisson will not be available for Sunday. With Alex, we will have to wait and see; definitely not starting [against Man City].”
