Legendary French coach Arsène Wenger has launched a fierce criticism against Florian Wirtz, the German midfielder of Liverpool, holding him directly responsible for disrupting the balance of the team that won the Premier League last season. His comments, made on beIN SPORTS, have sparked controversy in both England and Germany.

“His signing broke Liverpool’s midfield”

The former Arsenal manager claimed that the biggest mistake in Wirtz’s arrival at Anfield were his demands during negotiations with the English club. According to Wenger, the German insisted on a non-negotiable condition: he wanted to play exclusively as a central attacking midfielder — his natural position — and not adapt to the team’s tactical needs.

“The problem lies in the demand Wirtz made to Liverpool. He asked to play as a No.10 and not on the wing if they wanted to finalize the deal. That move has destroyed the midfield of last season’s Premier League champions, where Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai shone. With Wirtz in the mix, now Szoboszlai has to play wide,” Wenger stated.

The Frenchman didn’t hold back and added that if he were on the Reds’ bench, he would completely reshape the lineup. “If I were Arne Slot, I’d go back to last season’s midfield and play Wirtz on the left, giving him width in attack and freedom to move. But keeping him in the center has been a strategic mistake,” concluded the former coach of Arsenal’s “Invincibles.”

Liverpool Wins, but Wirtz Still Struggles

Wenger’s comments come just after Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield in the fourth round of the Champions League. Although the win restored confidence for the English side, Wirtz once again went unnoticed. He barely influenced the game and was substituted in the second half without creating clear chances or showing the creativity that made him one of the most expensive signings of the summer.

Coach Arne Slot, meanwhile, preferred to highlight the team’s collective effort. “It was one of our best performances of the season. We could’ve scored more. Courtois was incredible — he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he said.

However, the British press has already begun debating whether Wirtz truly fits into the new Liverpool system. His talent is unquestionable, but adapting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League seems to be taking its toll. Meanwhile, Wenger’s words reopen a debate Anfield hoped was behind them: was Florian Wirtz the wrong signing for the Reds?