Steve McManaman blasts 'weak' Florian Wirtz after Liverpool moment vs Galatasaray
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Former Liverpool ace Steve McManaman slammed Florian Wirtz for not being clinical enough in his side's clash with Galatasaray, as the attacking midfielder made his return from injury.Florian Wirtz missed a big opportunity for Liverpool against Galatasaray(Image: (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images))Steve McManaman has suggested that Florian Wirtz was "weak" with his finishing as the Liverpool star made his return to the starting lineup against Galatasaray in the Champions League.The attacking midfielder last started for the Reds in February, with a back injury leaving him out for a handful of matches. It's no coincidence that Liverpool started to struggle with creativity in his absence, having been accused of being too slow in build up at times.READ MORE: Steven Gerrard rates Liverpool's chances of winning seventh Champions LeagueREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher reacts as Mohamed Salah breaks his Liverpool record vs GalatasarayWhile Istanbul provided a perfect chance for Wirtz to announce his full return, the frantic nature of the match didn't quite allow him to control the game as he would like.
He said: "Liverpool started really well and exploited Galatasaray playing out from the back."It is a great chance for Wirtz. He doesn't threaten the goal, it is yards wide."He has another chance soon after that and he fires it into the ground with no passion to thrash at the goal to hit the target."Florian Wirtz missed a big opportunity for Liverpool against Galatasaray(Image: (Photo by Burak Kara - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images))It's a frustrating moment for Wirtz, who got 73 minutes of action for the team before he was substituted, having missed a chance to take the game by the scruff of the neck.
Wirtz could well be at the heart of that, if he can find a way to add more aggression and a clinical edge to the opportunities he put down in the first leg.Get LFC's 2025/26 season home and away kitsThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. He is an example of that.”Wirtz has six goals and eight assists to his name across all competitions, finding his place well in the Premier League and Champions League.