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Bayer Leverkusen has rallied behind Florian Wirtz amid criticism of Liverpool's new signing over his start to life at his new club.
Wirtz joined the Reds for what was briefly a potential Premier League record transfer fee in June, but he is yet to register a goal or an assist in eight appearances across the Premier League and Champions League. That lack of a direct goal contribution has drawn derision from rival supporters, but Wirtz's former club has shown its support for the youngster.
"It all started with some random hate online but you mean the world to us," Leverkuen wrote on TikTok, alongside a video showing some of his best highlights for the Bundesliga club.
It was a touch of class from Leverkusen, which previously thanked Wirtz for "five and a half magical years" upon the completion of his move to Liverpool and wished him "nothing but the best."
Arne Slot was asked about Wirtz's display in Liverpool's 1-0 loss to Galatasaray earlier this week and defended the Germany superstar, insisting that there were promising signs on show, particularly during the first half.
"The focus is always on the new signings. Which is normal if you see the money we spent," Slot said.
"I think Florian, especially in the first half, was involved in the chances we created. He was many times involved in dangerous situations tonight.
"From the starting XI, there were 3/4 positions different, and we had to manage minutes tonight. That’s why we do need to rotate a bit - not everyone is as adjusted to each other.”
However, Jamie Carragher urged Slot to drop Wirtz for this weekend's Premier League trip to Chelsea.
"There's a few problems there that he's got to fix, and it'll be really interesting how he goes about it because he's spent a lot of money on certain players," Carragher said.
"But right now, I don't think the balance of the team is right, and the obvious one that stands out right now is Florian Wirtz.
"He's just not at the races at all. He's a young boy coming into a new league.
"He's got plenty of time to go as a Liverpool player.
"But right now, I think he needs to come out of the team, Liverpool get back to what they were last season, and then go from there and try and build some confidence and build some defensive solidity because right now, it just looks a mess."
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