Jurgen Klopp has hailed Florian Wirtz after Germany’s win over Serbia and sent a direct message to Liverpool following his match-winning performance.
The Liverpool star scored and played a key role in Tom Bischof’s opener, with his effort coming back off the post and into the path of the Bayern Munich midfielder, who fired home.
Liverpool fans will be delighted with Wirtz’s performance, as the 23-year-old put a difficult start to the season behind him to shine in Munich.
Klopp was clearly delighted, greeting Florian Wirtz with one of his trademark bear hugs after the game, and the former Reds boss believes the performance could be good news for his old club.
“The way we want to play fits Flo Wirtz,” Klopp told reporters after the game.
“I believe that everyone in Liverpool is very happy today. The boy is bursting with joy for the game and has worked his butt off.”
Asked what he liked about his side’s performance, Klopp responded: “Everything. The opening phase, the middle part, and the end.
“Our positioning in the penalty box was incredible. Having the courage to do that: we can take all kinds of liberties and risks when we win the ball back together.
“Everyone was there in our pressing moments. The back line defended brilliantly on the front foot. We were outstanding without the ball, and with the ball we played wonderful football.
“That has to be our baseline. Whether we can always reproduce that remains to be seen. This game goes into my archive. It’s the next step in our development. We’re learning, after all. Learning under pressure.”
Florian Wirtz will have another chance to impress for Germany when they travel to Greece on Sunday, looking to avenge the 1-0 defeat in Klopp’s first home game earlier this week.
He will then return to Anfield, with his place in Andoni Iraola’s side under scrutiny following his recent performances. However, his display against Serbia could boost his chances ahead of Manchester City’s visit on October 11.
“It was incredibly enjoyable,” Wirtz said after Germany’s win. “I think every single player gave everything on the pitch today and followed the game plan.
“We got almost everything right today. Wearing the captain’s armband is something special. It makes you proud. I just tried to give everything I had on the pitch.
“The players around me also made it very easy for me today. There was a lot of movement in our game, and we were all eager to play football. That makes it easier to shine.”
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