‘He’s not going to hide’: Arne Slot insists £116m Florian Wirtz has mentality for derby stage

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Liverpool manager Arne Slot has expressed strong confidence in Florian Wirtz’s mentality and abilities to perform on big occasions, insisting the £116 million signing will not shy away from the pressures of critical matches, including high-stakes derbies. Slot emphasized that Wirtz possesses the right mindset to thrive in the Premier League’s demanding atmosphere, highlighting the player’s maturity despite his young age.

Slot's conviction comes amid Liverpool’s record-breaking transfer investment in the German attacking midfielder, with the fee potentially reaching £116 million including add-ons. The signing is seen as a strategic move to inject fresh creativity and talent into a squad that Slot inherited and improved gradually last season. Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes and Slot jointly recommended Wirtz’s acquisition, gaining full backing from the club ownership without interference, according to chair Tom Werner.

Wirtz, who made his mark at Bayer Leverkusen, has been praised for his technical skills, vision, and football intelligence, qualities that Liverpool hopes will be pivotal in revitalizing their attack and impacting crucial fixtures like local derbies. Slot’s remarks underline his belief that Wirtz’s mentality aligns with the tough, competitive standards required at Liverpool, especially given the scrutiny attached to breaking transfer records and expectations to perform immediately.

Moreover, Wirtz himself has publicly dismissed concerns about the hefty price tag, focusing instead on team integration and Premier League challenges. Slot and Liverpool collectively have high hopes that Wirtz's arrival will signal both on-field improvement and long-term strategic success for the club.

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