Andoni Iraola insists Florian Wirtz “should be judged like everyone else”

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With the first international break of the season around the corner, the Reds will play their last game of football for three weeks this weekend when they travel to Bournemouth.Florian Wirtz has come under plenty of scrutiny during the opening matches of the season, with several major media outlets questioning the German’s performances. I am very happy with Florian, he understands what we need in every aspect of the game.

We want to add assists and goals but he is helping us in all areas."Jul 31, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Liverpool FC head coach Andoni Iraola walks on the field during a training session at Endeavor Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectThis comes just one day after Liverpool legend Jürgen Klopp was asked about Wirtz during his press conference ahead of Germany’s four matches during the international break.The 59-year-old mirrored the same response Iraola gave today, emphasising that there is more to the midfielder’s game than just goals and assists.The £116 million man will play in two games during this international break, with the former Reds manager deciding to name 44 players across two separate squads, with each group set to play two matches.“I think he’s the player who covered the most ground at Liverpool this season, so the willingness is absolutely there.

Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect“We need to be satisfied when Flo Wirtz plays a game in which he gave everything but didn’t register a goal or assist. We won 1–0 or 2–0."With the 23-year-old not included in the Reds’ midweek victory over Tottenham, we should expect to see him return to the starting XI for this week’s trip to the south coast.