Florian Wirtz responds to recent criticism as Liverpool beat Brighton

Florian Wirtz responds to recent criticism as Liverpool beat Brighton Florian Wirtz responds to Liverpool criticism as ankle concern follows Brighton win Florian Wirtz met the latest question about scrutiny with a smile. After another encouraging Liverpool performance, the German offered a light-hearted explanation for the attention surrounding his time at Anfield. “Maybe I’m just an interesting guy, you know?” His response to the BBC came after Liverpool’s victory over Brighton, a match in which he helped establish a first-half advantage before an ankle problem brought his involvement to an early end. As Matt Addison reported for Liverpool.com , Wirtz’s performance continued a promising sequence after appearances against LASK, Brentford and Villarreal. The immediate concern is whether that momentum will be interrupted by injury. Photo: IMAGO Florian Wirtz keeps focus on his football Behind the joke, Wirtz’s position on the criticism was straightforward. He accepts that others will assess his performances, but does not intend to make their verdicts his primary concern. “No, I just play my football, and if people want to talk about me or judge me, that’s their job,” he told the BBC. “I am not focusing on that. I just want to play football, and more, I cannot do.” His comments followed a period of considerable scrutiny, including criticism from Jamie Carragher, who had argued that he should be dropped. Recent performances have offered a more positive response than any interview could provide. Wirtz has begun influencing games more regularly, helping Liverpool build an attacking rhythm during a run of four consecutive victories. The challenge now is to sustain that involvement rather than allow individual assessments to define each appearance. Brighton display continues encouraging Liverpool run Wirtz was influential during the first half against Brighton, although the effort that helped put Liverpool ahead was ultimately recorded as a Pascal Gross own goal. That distinction leaves his individual scoring tally unchanged, but it does not remove his contribution to the move or the advantage Liverpool established. According to Liverpool.com, Wirtz has one goal and three assists in all competitions this season. His goal came against Villarreal after he entered from the bench in the Champions League. The Brighton performance added another encouraging outing against technically accomplished opposition. It also gave Liverpool a different route through a match after recent victories that had required recovery from losing positions. For Wirtz, the important development is the sequence itself. Positive contributions are beginning to follow one another, offering a firmer basis for confidence than an isolated good performance. Iraola provides cautious ankle injury update Liverpool’s satisfaction was tempered when Wirtz required treatment and was replaced by Trey Nyoni in the second half. Andoni Iraola’s initial assessment was relatively reassuring, although he stopped short of confirming the midfielder’s availability for the next fixture. “Unfortunately, he had to leave the pitch with a small twist of the ankle,” the Liverpool head coach told Sky Sports. “It doesn’t look very big but we are playing every three days so we need to see where he is.” Those comments describe an early impression rather than a definitive prognosis. No recovery timetable was provided, and the short gaps between matches make even a seemingly minor problem relevant to selection. Liverpool will therefore need to assess how Wirtz responds before determining his next involvement. His improving form makes the prospect of any interruption particularly unwelcome. Strong Liverpool start sets tone for fourth victory Iraola was pleased that Liverpool approached Brighton with greater authority from the outset. “Very happy,” he said. “Very happy for today, very happy overall for these four wins.” He acknowledged the quality of the opposition, then identified Liverpool’s early intensity as the decisive difference. “We needed a stronger start, be aggressive, recover the ball, win our duels, be dangerous in transitions.” Liverpool delivered that approach and moved up to fourth in the Premier League standings. “I think we’ve done it and it has been a different game from the last ones, where we’ve conceded first and after you need a comeback,” Iraola added. “Today, I think we’ve started better and the game has gone differently.” For Wirtz, the afternoon combined another positive performance with a fitness question. His football is beginning to answer the criticism; Liverpool will hope his ankle allows that progress to continue.