Florian Wirtz’s start to life at Liverpool has been anything but smooth. The €125 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen arrived with sky-high expectations after turning down Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Bayern Munich to join the Reds. But 13 games into his debut season, the 22-year-old is yet to score a goal and has only three assists to his name.
According to Sky Germany, Wirtz has already been benched by manager Arne Slot after struggling to adapt to the intensity and tactical structure of English football. Despite that, two of Germany’s biggest footballing figures — Oliver Kahn and Oliver Bierhoff — have jumped to his defence, urging patience from fans and pundits alike.
Oliver Bierhoff urges patience with Wirtz
Former Germany striker Oliver Bierhoff has told Sky Germany that Wirtz deserves more time to adjust, even suggesting that his first season in England should effectively be written off as a learning period.
“They’ve probably bought too many players who have the ambition to play. But with him, I’m not worried about him asserting himself, based on what I’ve seen of him. He’s a brilliant footballer, has the right timing and the right vision, and that’s why you have to give him a little time. You used to say in Italy that the first season doesn’t count at all.” — Oliver Bierhoff, via Sky Germany
Bierhoff’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in Germany, where many believe Wirtz will eventually prove his worth once he settles into the Premier League’s rhythm. His technical quality and intelligence — hallmarks of his Leverkusen days — remain highly regarded.
Oliver Kahn says Wirtz “hasn’t fully integrated yet”
Former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn also came to Wirtz’s defence, pointing out that his struggles appear more psychological and social than technical.
“The way he moves around, you always get the feeling he hasn’t fully integrated yet. You see it with the players, when a goal is scored and who they celebrate with — he doesn’t quite fit yet, that’s my feeling. He still needs a bit of self-confidence to move confidently in this environment with so many top players.” — Oliver Kahn, via Sky Germany
Kahn’s analysis suggests that Wirtz’s biggest challenge may lie in adapting to the culture and dynamics of the Liverpool dressing room, rather than the pace of Premier League football itself.
Wirtz’s Liverpool stats so far (2025/26)
| Stat (2025/26) | Florian Wirtz |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 13 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Premier League Games | 9 |
| Premier League Assists | 0 |
source: Sofascore match data – 28 October 2025
The numbers underline why there’s growing frustration among Liverpool supporters. Signed to add creativity and goals from midfield, Wirtz has yet to show the spark that made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects at Leverkusen.
Our View
In our view, Bierhoff’s “first season doesn’t count” remark is both protective and pragmatic. The Premier League’s physicality and intensity can take time to master, and Liverpool’s tactical shift under Arne Slot may not yet suit Wirtz’s rhythm. For a young player moving countries and adapting to new expectations, patience might indeed be the best policy.
That said, the scale of his transfer fee means scrutiny is inevitable. At £107 million, fans will want to see progress before long — especially in a side chasing silverware on multiple fronts. Wirtz’s best response will come not through interviews or excuses but through performances.
Key Insights
- Florian Wirtz has yet to score for Liverpool in 13 appearances.
- Oliver Bierhoff says “the first season doesn’t count” for new signings abroad.
- Oliver Kahn believes Wirtz hasn’t “fully integrated” with the Liverpool squad.
- The 22-year-old joined in a €125m summer move from Bayer Leverkusen.
- Pressure is growing after he was dropped from Arne Slot’s starting XI.
What’s Next
Liverpool next face Aston Villa in the Premier League on 1 November 2025. With pressure building, Wirtz could be given another chance to rediscover his form off the bench. Slot will be keen to manage expectations carefully while maintaining the squad’s balance.
For Germany’s football icons, the message is clear — patience over panic. But at Anfield, supporters will be hoping the former Leverkusen prodigy starts turning promise into production soon.
👉 Do you agree with Bierhoff — should Wirtz’s first season at Liverpool “not count”?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 28 Oct 2025 12:26
Yeah lets pretend like 150M didnt join Liverpool this season...
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