Klopp defends £125m Wirtz signing as Isak returns injured from international duty

Jurgen Klopp has defended Florian Wirtz’s difficult start at Liverpool, insisting the £125 million signing from Bayer Leverkusen arrived at an “unfortunate time” for the club, while Alexander Isak has returned to Anfield nursing a toe injury picked up on international duty with Sweden.

Klopp, speaking in his capacity as Germany head coach, called Wirtz into the national squad after Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala both sustained injuries. The 23-year-old has faced criticism since his move from Leverkusen, with former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher among those questioning whether the Germany international is performing below his best.

Klopp was unequivocal in his support, pointing to the emotional backdrop that greeted Wirtz’s arrival. “When you look at the overall context, Flo joined Liverpool at a very unfortunate time,” Klopp said. “It’s about the passing of Diogo Jota. He joined a team with the players whose priority was not football at that time, which is very understandable.”

The former Liverpool manager added that he sees clear signs of progress heading into the new campaign under Andoni Iraola. “He learned a lot from his first year. Now is a new season under a new coach, he started all games, I think. He’s physically doing very well. The team is starting to find itself again. Attacking players always need a functioning team around them. Everyone who loves football can still see what an outstanding player Flo Wirtz is.”

Klopp concluded: “We have to make sure that Flo feels comfortable with us and can fit into what we want from him. With us, hopefully, he can simply be Flo.”

The Wirtz situation is not the only concern at Anfield. Isak suffered what has been described as a “real blow” to his toe while representing Sweden against Romania, and has since returned to the club for assessment. The extent of the injury and any potential absence have not yet been confirmed.

On the pitch, Liverpool sit sixth in the Premier League table on nine points after five games — three draws and two wins. Iraola, who guided Bournemouth to a top-half finish before taking the Anfield job, acknowledged the club’s inconsistency but pointed to three consecutive clean sheets as a positive sign.

“I think overall we’ve improved, definitely since the first games,” Iraola said. “Some of the things we still need to improve, more things. I am happy it is the third clean sheet in a row in the league. But we still have to get ready because the schedule that we have now, it’s very difficult.”

Liverpool’s next Premier League fixture is against Manchester City, with the club currently in an international break. Iraola warned his squad that the weeks ahead will be particularly demanding, with Champions League fixtures and a Carabao Cup tie against Chelsea also on the horizon.