Andoni Iraola defends struggling Liverpool star after criticism from club legend

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Wirtz is yet to score this season and it was his first assist in five outings as his time at Liverpool since his £116 million move in the summer of 2025 continues to be underwhelming. Sign up now for free. ‘I’m surprised Wirtz hasn’t come off,’ Carragher said on Sky Sports. ‘His first two touches, he’s given it away twice.

I didn’t expect him back on the pitch after half-time.’ Iraola admitted it was not a good first half for the former Bayer Leverkusen man, but talked up his influence on the second as the Reds went on to win the match. Florian Wirtz continues to struggle to live up to his price tag (Picture: Getty Images) ‘It was a slow start but after the first phase Florian helped us to improve and I am much happier with his performance in the second half,’ said the Liverpool manager.

Carragher had been very critical of Wirtz earlier in the game, seemingly running out of patience with him after a forgettable first season in the Premier League last time round. He’s new to the league and Liverpool were poor last season. ‘When you come for that price tag, people want goals and assists.’ Wirtz has started all five league games this season (Picture: Shutterstock) Liverpool have now won two and drawn three of their opening five league games, sitting sixth in the table with just three goals conceded. ‘I’m obviously happy with the result because I know this is a difficult place to come,’ said Iraola. ‘We finished the first half better and were better in the second half.