Arne Slot dismisses Florian Wirtz 'excuse' as honest verdict shared on Liverpool struggles

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Liverpool Echo IconSportFootballLiverpool FCArne Slot on Florian Wirtz's adaptation to Liverpool life as the Reds prepare to face Real Madrid in the Champions LeagueArne Slot says Florian Wirtz's adaptation to life at Liverpool is understandable given the step up in intensity from the Bundesliga to the Premier League. And the Reds boss believes the Germany international could look to Ryan Gravenberch as inspiration in his efforts to prove himself in England after his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen over the summer.Wirtz joined the Reds for a fee that could rise to £116m in June but has so far found it difficult stamping his class on proceedings, with Slot's side losing four of the last five in the Premier League.The 22-year-old, who is so far without a goal or assist in the league, came off the bench as the champions returned to winning ways against Aston Villa on Saturday and could be recalled when the Reds host Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.READ MORE: Arne Slot admits Trent Alexander-Arnold doubt as Liverpool challenge put forwardREAD MORE: Ryan Gravenberch explains Liverpool plan for Kylian Mbappe and addresses contract claimSlot insists he is happy with what the No.7 has contributed so far and has no concerns about the attacking midfielder eventually making the grade at Liverpool.“You can say he [has only] started one of the last four but you can also say he's started eight, nine, 10 or 11 already this season," Slot said."I've said this quite a lot, it is not being used as an excuse but just how it is, many times we have to play three games in seven days with only two days' rest in between."For a player who comes from a different league - which is a very good league by the way - nine out of 10 people would agree the Premier League is a bit more intense, especially in all the games."If you look at that then he already played a lot."He has had his impact in a lot of games but has been unlucky with the end product either by himself or his team-mates."For me, he exactly brought what we expected, a player who created a lot for the team."He will have his goals but I don’t think it comes as a surprise to anyone that if you’re 22 or 23 and come to a different league that you might need some time to adjust to that intensity if you play every three days, with only two days' rest in between."Before, Ryan Gravenberch was sitting here (in the press conference) and it took him a while to adjust to the intensity, maybe even longer than it is going to take Florian."