Florian Wirtz Speaks on How Liverpool’s Early Struggles Affected Him

Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz has opened on his early struggle at Liverpool, noting that it made him stronger, rather than weaknining his spirit.

Wirtz left Bayer Leverkusen to join Liverpool in the summer. In what was one of the biggest deal, the Germany international arrived in a £116 million ($153m) deal.

However, the 22-year-old struggled with the physicality needed to play in the Premier League but a tailored strength and conditioning programme designed to make him more robust helped get him through.

After failing to score in his first 22 appearances, he enjoyed a run of six in 10 matches from Boxing Day, although he has since gone eight games without scoring.

Florian Wirtz struggled in his first few months at Liverpool. (Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)

“It wasn’t an easy phase,” Wirtz, speaking about his first few months in England, told German television show Sportschau.

“It’s sometimes good that things don’t always go upwards and that you experience a dip and grow stronger because of it.

“That’s how I see it now as well — it has made me a bit stronger. I had to overcome resistance and adapt. I had to learn to become stronger and hold onto the ball.”

While his domestic form may have dipped again, he showed his quality in Germany’s 4-3 win over Switzerland on Friday — with two goals and two assists — and he credited national team boss Julian Nagelsmann with helping him during his tough transitional phase.

“The coach always supported me during the difficult phase after my move to Liverpool and always had an open ear for me,” he added.

“He gave me tips and reassured me. That has brought us closer together.”