Klopp urges Iraola to build Liverpool around Wirtz: 'Just give him the ball'

Jurgen Klopp has publicly advised Andoni Iraola to build his Liverpool side around Florian Wirtz, insisting the £116m playmaker thrives when team-mates actively seek him out — even when he is not the obvious passing option.

Klopp, speaking while analysing Germany’s 2-1 comeback win over Ivory Coast at the World Cup, said Wirtz needs to feel the trust of those around him to reach his ceiling. “The important thing is that we involve him in the game,” Klopp said. “Not even because he was the best passing option, but because, as a team-mate, I want Flo Wirtz to feel good.”

The former Anfield boss, who left Liverpool before Wirtz arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, went further in explaining how he would approach the 23-year-old. “If I were [Nico] Schlotterbeck, I’d just give him the ball five times for no particular reason and see what he does. If you really want Flo Wirtz to get into a rhythm, if you want the place to really be buzzing, then give him the ball, because that’s when he feels completely at home.”

Klopp also highlighted the positional value Wirtz brings beyond his direct contributions. “He shouldn’t drop back and get the ball from his own penalty area and we expect him to start making plays — we have to find moments where we can use his position, because with his positioning he creates a lot of space for the players next to him, for the full-backs and for everyone who can make runs into those spaces.”

Wirtz has started both of Germany’s World Cup group games, providing the assist for Felix Nmecha’s goal in the 7-1 demolition of Curacao, but has yet to dominate proceedings at the tournament. His debut Liverpool season yielded seven goals and ten assists across 49 appearances.

Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot at Anfield, now inherits the task of integrating Wirtz into a new system. Klopp’s message is clear: the more central Wirtz is to the team’s rhythm, the more dangerous Liverpool will be.

Germany have already secured a place in the knockout stages. Julian Nagelsmann may rotate his squad for their final Group E fixture against Ecuador, with Denis Undav having impressed as a substitute against Ivory Coast, scoring twice after coming off the bench.