Florian Wirtz names the man responsible for helping him through Liverpool struggles

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Florian Wirtz has discussed how Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann helped him through a difficult period at Liverpool after the £116m signing struggled to adapt to the Premier League

Florian Wirtz was complimentary of Julian Nagelsmann(Image: 2026 Markus Gilliar - GES Sportfoto)

Florian Wirtz believes the challenges he faced settling in at Liverpool have made him a stronger player, as he highlighted the crucial support of Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann during his opening period on Merseyside.

Wirtz, who briefly became the club's record signing when he arrived from Bayer Leverkusen in June, initially found it difficult to reproduce the Bundesliga performances that prompted his £116m move to Anfield.

Nevertheless, Wirtz has gradually adapted to the English top flight and claimed Liverpool's internal player of the month accolade for January, with the No.7 currently boasting six goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Adjusting to the intensity and physicality of the Premier League has proved demanding for Wirtz, but the attacking midfielder insists he is now a better player as he enters the closing two months of his maiden campaign.

"It wasn't an easy phase," Wirtz told Sportschau. "It's sometimes good that things don't always go upwards, and that you experience a dip and grow stronger because of it.

"That's how I see it now as well – it has made me a bit stronger. I had to overcome resistance and adapt. I had to learn to become stronger and hold onto the ball.

Liverpool star Florian Wirtz speaks to German media on international duty, March 2026

"The coach (Julian Nagelsmann) always supported me during the difficult phase after my move to Liverpool and always had an open ear for me.

"He gave me tips and reassured me. That has brought us closer together."

Wirtz netted twice in Germany's 4-3 victory over Switzerland on Friday evening, including scoring a beautiful curled finish from well outside the penalty area.

However, the playmaker is expected to be rested during Monday night's game against Ghana. Speaking ahead of the game, Nagelsmann named Wirtz as one of the players he anticipates giving a rest to.

“The game is viewed from a slightly different perspective," Nagelsmann said. "We need to rotate a bit to manage some players who are returning from injuries or are under a lot of strain.

"Joshua Kimmich, Serge Gnabry, and Florian Wirtz have had and continue to have many intense matches. I'm not completely blinded by my own ambitions and I'm not going to force it through at all costs. I also need the clubs."