Jürgen Klopp jokes about attracting Liverpool audience after Florian Wirtz masterclass

Jürgen Klopp jokes about attracting Liverpool audience after Florian Wirtz masterclass Florian Wirtz’s outstanding performance in Germany’s 2-0 Nations League victory over Serbia prompted national team head coach Jürgen Klopp to send a rather conspicuous message in the direction of his former club Liverpool. Wirtz supplied the decisive contribution to Tom Bischof’s opener by striking the post and later scored Germany’s second himself. The 23-year-old also created six shooting opportunities, registered 97 touches and completed 95 percent of his passes. Klopp was delighted. “Flo is an unbelievable player and he played a great game,” the former Liverpool head coach remarked in his post-match interview with German public broadcaster ZDF . “We saw a lad who was bursting with joy on the ball and worked brutally hard against it.” “I think all the Liverpool people are very, very happy with the performance,” Klopp continued. “I don’t think this many Liverpool fans have ever watched a Germany national team match before. And they had had a lot of fun.” Klopp helps Wirtz rediscover familiar football The comments naturally carry extra weight given Wirtz’s difficult start to the season in England, a situation not entirely unfamiliar to the experienced German international. Wirtz has yet to score for Liverpool this campaign and remains the subject of considerable debate surrounding both his form and his role within the team. Klopp, however, has clearly invested significant time in the former Bayer Leverkusen star during this international window. Injuries to Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz led to Wirtz reporting to Klopp’s camp earlier than anticipated. Wirtz clearly wasn’t ready for prime time during his substitute appearance late in Sunday night’s loss to Greece, but most Germans remained confident that one of their most talented footballers would follow up his underwhelming appearance with something special. Wirtz revealed after the Serbia victory that the pair had held several conversations, including discussions relevant to his current situation. “We had one or two conversations and he gave me a few things that I’ll definitely take with me,” Wirtz said in the mixed zone. “I’m glad that we spoke. He wants me to play the football again that he knows from me.” “The opponent was a little disorganized and perhaps waited a little more for one or two counterattacks,” Wirtz continued. “That simply creates more space.” “Obviously, it would be best if I had that much space in every game and could do whatever I wanted,” Wirtz concluded with a wry smile. The 23-year-old nevertheless acknowledged that tougher assignments await. Germany now travel to Thessaloniki for a significantly more demanding Nations League assignment against the Greek side that beat them on German turf for the first time ever last weekend. Klopp will hope Wirtz can carry Thursday evening’s momentum with him. Liverpool supporters might be watching rather closely too. GGFN  |  Peter Weis