Wirtz confident for second season at Liverpool: "I am
According to Sports.
Context
Florian Wirtz, a 23-year-old attacking midfielder, transferred from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool for a significant fee. His ability to adapt to Premier League football will be closely watched, especially in relation to his preferred role as a No. 10 who can influence the team's attack.
Why this matters
Florian Wirtz's confidence for his second season at Liverpool is crucial, especially after a first year of adaptation in the Premier League. His performance, with seven goals and 10 assists, was considered below expectations, but the experience gained could be fundamental to the club's success this season.
Main conclusions
- Wirtz confident for second season at Liverpool: "I am.
- Florian Wirtz says he is more prepared for the Premier League in his second season at Liverpool, after a first year of adaptation.
- I'm more ready for Premier League now - Wirtz - Yahoo Sports.
Florian Wirtz believes he arrives at the new Premier League season “more prepared” and “very excited” for his second season at Liverpool, after a first year of adapting to Anfield. The German international, signed from Bayer Leverkusen last summer for around £116 million, scored seven goals and 10 assists in an overall campaign below expectations for the Reds under the command of Arne Slot.
"I definitely learned a lot. I learned how to play football in the Premier League and I think I'm more prepared for my second season because now I know what it's like. I'm very excited about the next season", said Wirtz, highlighting the differences felt after the change from the Bundesliga to the English league. "I played in England for a year and I often say that it's a different style of football than in Germany. We ended up getting used to the games and the opponents. Now I know what it's like, so I'm happy to have my next season."
When taking stock of his first year, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder admitted moments of ups and downs. "It's a difficult question, but of course there were games where I wasn't satisfied with myself, and also many where I felt good on the pitch. Last season was difficult for the whole club, but I hope we have the right energy and mentality this season, so that each player can shine more."
Wirtz also revealed that he has already spoken to Andoni Iraola about the role he could play in the new Liverpool. The Spanish coach, who arrives at Anfield after three years of remarkable work at Bournemouth, sees the German preferably playing behind the striker. “We talked about it (the No. 10 role), because it's important to know the position I'm going to play in. I know I can play different positions, but 10 is my favorite and the one where I'm best, so we'll see how it works out,” he explained. During the pre-season tour of the United States, the Reds coach described Wirtz as a “very complete” player.
The first weeks of work left the former Leverkusen man satisfied. "We can see, especially in the last three years at Bournemouth, what he [Iraola] can do with a team. I'm looking forward to working with him and, in these first few weeks — for me it's just two weeks of training — I can say that I'm enjoying it. I like the idea of football that he has, so I'm really excited."
Regarding collective goals, Wirtz was clear: "We want to win more games and compete for all the titles we can. I think we need to put more intensity in our game and, at certain moments, have more control with the ball." After a season of accelerated learning, the German international is now aiming for a more influential version in the last third, in a structure that should enhance his role as main creator between the lines.
Arrived with status and numbers that impressed in Germany, Wirtz sees 2026/27 as the season to transform promises into consistency in the Premier League. With Iraola fine-tuning a model that favors pressure, mobility and aggression on the ball, the German heads into the new year as a key player in Liverpool's ambition to regain its domestic and European prominence.
What happens next
With the new season beginning, Wirtz hopes to bring a new energy and mentality to Liverpool as they look to bounce back from a difficult campaign. His adaptation to the style of play in the Premier League, compared to the Bundesliga, could be a determining factor in the team's performance under the guidance of Arne Slot.
Frequently asked questions
What did Florian Wirtz say about his preparation for the new season?
Florian Wirtz stated that he is 'more prepared' and 'very excited' for his second season at Liverpool, after a year of adaptation.
Who is the coach that Florian Wirtz mentioned?
Florian Wirtz mentioned Andoni Iraola, with whom he has already spoken about his role in the new Liverpool.
Why does Florian Wirtz feel more prepared now?
Wirtz feels more prepared because he has learned how football is played in the Premier League and is already used to the style of play and the opponents.
What were Florian Wirtz's statistics last season?
Last season, Wirtz scored seven goals and 10 assists, in a campaign
nha that he considered overall below expectations.
What changes does Florian Wirtz expect for the new season?
Wirtz hopes the team has the right energy and mentality so that each player can shine brightest in the new season.