Wirtz addresses slow Liverpool start – ‘I don’t want to hear it!’

Florian Wirtz has admitted frustration at his quiet start to life at Liverpool, insisting he wants to prove himself quickly despite Arne Slot’s calls for patience.

The £116 million summer signing, who dazzled in the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen, is yet to record a goal or assist in the Premier League and says he doesn’t want excuses for his underwhelming start.

Wirtz rejects sympathy

Speaking to Sky Germany, the 21-year-old midfielder dismissed the narrative that he needs time to adapt.

“Yes, of course I would have liked to have scored a goal or collected a few points. But no matter what anyone says, I’m staying cool. I know what I’m capable of,” Wirtz said.

“I don’t want to hear it all the time, ‘give him time, give him time.’ Instead, I just try to do better each time than before.”

Wirtz admitted this is unfamiliar ground for him, going several games without a tangible contribution.

“Sometimes there are just phases where things might not go your way… it will come at some point, and then everything will be fine,” he added.

Slot’s tactical challenge

Wirtz’s struggles have raised questions about his role under Arne Slot. At Leverkusen, he thrived in an advanced creative position, racking up 12 goals and 22 assists last season.

At Anfield, however, he has been moved around in different systems, limiting his impact.

The German was benched in the Merseyside derby before coming on in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Everton.

With fierce competition in attack, he will need to seize opportunities soon to justify his price tag.

Next opportunity

Liverpool’s blistering start has softened scrutiny, but Wirtz knows he must deliver.

His next chance comes on Tuesday when the Reds host Southampton in the Carabao Cup.