Liverpool: Could Jürgen Klopp Help Florian Wirtz Rediscover His Best Form?

Florian Wirtz’s difficult start to life at Liverpool has raised questions about how the £116m summer signing can rediscover the confidence and attacking influence that made him one of Europe’s most highly regarded talents. According to David Lynch, speaking to Dave Davis on Anfield Index’s Media Matters podcast, Jürgen Klopp’s encouragement could prove significant in helping the German find his feet again.

Wirtz’s international performances offered encouraging signs, with Lynch identifying confidence as an important factor behind his struggles at Liverpool. The discussion centred on his dribbling, his ability to unlock stubborn defences and whether the attacking midfielder can bring his international form back to club football.

Florian Wirtz Needs Confidence to Flourish at Liverpool

Lynch highlighted a notable change in Wirtz’s approach since arriving at Liverpool, particularly when taking opponents on in one versus one situations.

“His dribbling has kind of fallen off since he’s come to Liverpool in terms of the amount that he tries,” Lynch told Davis.

He continued: “And I think, again, you think that’s got to be a confidence issue. That’s got to be kind of belief in himself.”

For Liverpool, that observation matters. Lynch explained that Wirtz’s willingness to dribble is an important part of his game, particularly when facing low blocks and attempting to create different passing angles.

He was equally clear that the Premier League presents a demanding challenge. Wirtz may find it harder to create separation from defenders, but Lynch saw no technical reason why the German should be unable to take opponents on.

“I think so many of the issues with him are maybe confidence-based,” he said.

Lynch also stressed that Wirtz could perform considerably better than he did during the first half of the Bournemouth game, identifying that performance as a particularly poor outing rather than a definitive assessment of his ability.

Jürgen Klopp’s Influence Could Be Crucial

The conversation took an interesting turn when Lynch considered Klopp’s involvement during the international break. He suggested the former Liverpool manager’s encouragement could help Wirtz regain confidence and rediscover the freedom associated with his game.

“I thought, you know, he really did seem to be giving him the arm around the shoulder treatment,” Lynch said, referring to Klopp’s approach during the break.

He added that Klopp had spoken highly of Wirtz, raising the possibility that the midfielder could return to Liverpool with renewed belief.

Dave Davis captured the appeal of that idea with his observation: “Everyone responds to a Klopp hug, funnily enough.”

There is a clear theme in their exchange. Wirtz possesses the technical qualities required to influence matches, while encouragement could help him express those qualities more consistently. Klopp’s potential contribution, as discussed on the podcast, centres on confidence and reassurance rather than any guarantee of an immediate transformation.

Liverpool Need Wirtz to Show More Authority

Lynch also identified the mentality he wants to see from Wirtz, pointing to Jeremy Jacquet’s confidence as an example of a player who appears comfortable at his level.

“What I want to see as well from him a little bit more is kind of, what you see in Jacquet’s game when he goes to France,” Lynch explained, referring to the confidence and authority he sees in other players.

He elaborated: “I want to see a bit more of that from Wirtz.”

Lynch also recalled Arne Slot describing Wirtz as having “a meanness to him, a bit of kind of a nasty edge”, qualities Lynch felt had not been sufficiently evident on the pitch.

His expectation is for Wirtz to show more arrogance, a greater desire to impose himself on games and the confidence to trust his own ability.

International Form Offers Liverpool Hope

Wirtz’s performances for Germany provided grounds for optimism. Lynch pointed to his displays against Serbia and Greece, including his successful dribbles against Greece, as evidence of encouraging progress.

He cautioned that international football presents a different challenge from the Premier League, but believed the improvement could give Wirtz a platform from which to build.

“If he has a one-off that’s been very good, then okay, we can write Bournemouth off,” Lynch said, explaining how a strong performance against a quality opponent could change the conversation around the midfielder.

For Liverpool, the priority is seeing that confidence translate into consistent performances. Klopp’s encouragement may help Wirtz rediscover his freedom, but the ultimate test remains what he produces on the pitch.

As Lynch put it, Wirtz needs to return with “his shoulders back a little bit” and begin building towards the level Liverpool expected when they invested £116m in his talent.