I'm surprised with Florian Wirtz reaction to Liverpool start - surely it's too early

Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.

Florian Wirtz looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park on August 25(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)

The international break is coming to an end and Liverpool are stepping up preparations for a return to Premier League action.

Liverpool having seven games in 21 days prior to the next international break says as much.

The quality and durability of Arne Slot’s squad will be tested in the coming weeks.



That made Wednesday’s training footage, featuring Jeremie Frimpong back on the pitch and a sharp-looking Alexander Isak – who will hopefully have benefitted from his time away with Sweden – all the more welcome.

Sunday’s trip to Burnley is one we ought to dictate but the Clarets have reason to take confidence from their last two league outings – a 2-0 home win over Sunderland and a narrow 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford – so we can expect to encounter a team with a relative spring in their step.

Then, on Wednesday, we’re onto Anfield’s first Champions League night of 2025/26 and what we hope will represent the first step on the road to Budapest.

We’ll need quality and shrewdness to overcome them before swiftly heading into next Saturday lunchtime’s Merseyside derby.

A challenging, enticing week.

There's a lot to be excited about as the fixture start to come in thick and fast.

WELCOME to the second edition of Blood Red – your new monthly publication from the ECHO covering everything you need to know about what’s happening at Liverpool FC.

This month, our focus is on Europe as Liverpool's Champions League campaign kicks off with the Reds looking to bring home European Cup number 7.

As well as a pull-out fixtures guide to the group phase, we profile every other club in the competition.

Our writers cover Arne Slot’s side all season long, home, away and abroad, seven days a week, and this special second edition of Blood Red is full of their in-depth features, analysis and comment.

There's also an interview with Voice of Anfield George Sephton who looks back at his time at the club, we review the big tactical talking points of the season's opening games, and we preview the next month of action as the Champions combine their bid to defend their Premier League crown with the start of their mission for Champions League glory.

Available to buy HERE

Andrew Cullen (Widnes, @brothersred5)

I was surprised to see some early judgments on Wirtz.