Jamie Carragher shows no sign of letting up in his criticism of Florian Wirtz and is calling for the German international to be given a place on Liverpool’s reserve bench. Former team-mate Steven Gerrard, on the other hand, is coming to the technically gifted player’s defence – and explains why.
Florian Wirtz is a recurring – and favourite – topic for Jamie Carragher, who has established himself as the German international’s chief critic. The most recent example was a statement made by the TV pundit following Liverpool FC’s 0–3 defeat to Manchester City.
“I’m sorry to have to say this: it’s not working out with Florian Wirtz and it hasn’t worked out so far either,” said the Reds’ defender, who made 737 appearances for the club, on Sky after the defeat. Indeed, the Pulheim-born player’s performance against the Sky Blues was rather lacklustre. Wirtz was substituted in the 66th minute; although he had covered the greatest distance of any player up to that point (8.9 km), he had made little impact on the game.
Carragher sees Wirtz on the substitutes’ bench
“He still has so much more to prove, and I can hardly think of a match in which he – well – secured victory for Liverpool, in which he was, so to speak, the man of the match.” Carragher’s conclusion and demand: “I think Liverpool have given him enough chances, and I think he needs to be dropped from the team.”
Carragher’s former Liverpool team-mate, Steven Gerrard, did not entirely disagree with the long-standing critic. Gerrard can certainly understand his harsh view given Wirtz’s current form. On the programme “Overlap Daily”, the Reds legend said: “Wirtz’s confidence is at rock bottom. He’s not playing well enough. We need to see more from him. In that respect, I agree with Jamie Carragher.” At the same time, however, the Reds’ former captain called for a more sensitive approach towards the 23-year-old technical wizard. “I think Jamie is suggesting he should be benched. But I think the lad needs help. I believe he needs support from his manager, his assistant managers and the experienced players.”
Liverpool’s former captain tried to put himself in Wirtz’s shoes: “I can well imagine how he’s blaming himself for how his time at Liverpool has started.” For Gerrard, however, taking Wirtz out of the starting line-up is out of the question. “In my opinion, this lad is a great talent. I’ve seen enough to believe in him and give him a chance.”
Wirtz could get his next chance as early as Wednesday (6.45 pm), when LFC face SK Linz away in the Champions League.