Florian Wirtz is heading into his second season with Liverpool FC as if the first had never happened—and he’s already thrilled with his two new coaches.
Even a month after Germany’s World Cup exit against Paraguay, Florian Wirtz still can’t shake off the U.S. On Sunday evening, the national team player is set to make his first appearance of Liverpool’s preseason in a friendly against Leeds United—in Chicago.
He wasn’t granted a long summer break; he’s already been back in training with the Reds for a week. “It might not have been enough; it could have been a few more weeks,” Wirtz admits on the club’s website. “But that’s just how it is when you’re a professional soccer player. I’m glad I can play soccer again, because that’s what I love most. I’m just happy to be back.”
After a mixed previous season—in which Liverpool, as the defending champions, barely scraped into the Champions League and Wirtz needed a long time to find his footing—he’s starting his second Premier League season with renewed vigor: “It’s not like I was unhappy every single day when I came to training, but I think we’d hoped for a lot more last season. We’re starting from scratch this season. Even here at training camp, it’s a fresh start. We have to do a lot better this season.”
His first impression of new coach Andoni Iraola, who succeeded Arne Slot this summer, is positive. “All I can say is that training is really fun,” says Wirtz. “I’ve enjoyed every session so far. We’re doing a lot of game-like drills and possession exercises—that’s exactly what I like.”
On top of that, Iraola has a new role in mind for Wirtz: The 23-year-old, who was usually deployed on the left wing by Slot, will start the season as a number 10. “Of course” he’s happy about it, says Wirtz. “I’ve always been more of a number 10. But I play wherever the coach puts me. We’ve already talked about that. Let’s see what happens this season.”
Wirtz: “All of Liverpool loves Klopp”
Iraola, who was already a fan of the number 10 playing behind a lone striker during his time at AFC Bournemouth, had announced the role change a few days ago without wanting to commit to it for the entire season just yet. “He’s a pretty well-rounded player. We want to try to complement what he already offers—and that’s a lot—with additional aspects,” the Spaniard had explained.
With Jürgen Klopp on board, it seems another coach is already thinking about Wirtz’s role. “It’s really, really cool that he’s here now,” says Wirtz, already looking forward to meeting the new German national team coach in September. “I haven’t spoken to him yet, but a lot of people here at the club have told me about him and said he’s a fantastic guy. All of Liverpool loves him.”