StadiumPosts Logo
Stay upto date with notifications from Stadiumposts
Notifications can be managed in browser preferences

FLORIAN WIRTZ BREAKS SILENCE AFTER GARY NEVILLE CRITIQUES LIVERPOOL PERFORMANCE

Liverpool's Florian Wirtz faces harsh criticism from pundits like Gary Neville after a tough start. A German report claims the £120m signing is "not interested" in the noise, blaming it on ex-Man Utd commentators.

Florian Wirtz Breaks Silence After Gary Neville Critiques Liverpool Performance
Florian Wirtz Addresses Liverpool Backlash - Photo Credit: Getty Images

After playing a very promising game against Real Madrid, Florian Wirtz appeared to have turned things around at Liverpool. Unfortunately, that turned out to be somewhat of a false dawn on the following outing, much like the team as a whole.

After suffering a humiliating 3-0 loss to Manchester City, Liverpool went into the international break with a bad taste in their mouth. If the refereeing performance was poor, it was only surpassed by Arne Slot's team's performance, which had nothing to gain from the contest.

It is critical to evaluate Wirtz in light of these group conflicts. However, it is also not unreasonable to argue that, even with a struggling club, he ought to have been able to make a bigger impression given the name and cost he brought with him.

Nevertheless, people like Gary Neville have undoubtedly added too much. Slot must be the main target of attention, given how badly everyone is playing, but the media is still swarming Wirtz like vultures.

Wirtz has had a bit of a baptism of fire, even by English press standards. Neville threw a fit at him during the Manchester City loss.

Neville stated on the Gary Neville Podcast that "Wirtz is an issue, let us call it what it is." "There is a problem.

Even though he is worth £120 million ($158 million), he appeared to be a young lad. That is not possible.

Neville called it a "big worry" and, just for good measure, added that Wirtz had been "mauled" and "chucked around the pitch" by Man City. "Really awful day" is how he described the German international's performance.

Therefore, you could understandably ask where Wirtz's head is when he departs to represent his nation. However, the national news reports that he is handling things calmly.

According to a Bild story, readers do not have to feel sorry for Wirtz. He is "not especially interested" in the comments, which is the main reason for this.

The article also points out that the harshest criticism seems to share a common trait. The transfer has been described to as "destructive" by Wayne Rooney, "trouble" by Neville, and "question" by Rio Ferdinand.

According to the German publication, all of these former players who are now commentators have close ties to Manchester United. Therefore, it is not entirely shocking that they are keen to destroy a costly Liverpool recruit.

To be fair, that is probably a bit harsh, especially for Neville. He is now nearly as well-known as a commentator as he was as a Manchester United player, and he is not afraid to voice his honest thoughts.

There are affiliate links in this post, and we will get paid if any sales are brought about by them. Find out more

Furthermore, it is not as if Wirtz has received no criticism from Liverpool sources. Only the most ardent (or possibly unyielding) followers would deny that they had a little higher expectation.

However, the Man Utd ties might contribute to the explanation of why the criticism has been so harsh at such an early stage. The vast majority of those who watched Wirtz in Germany share the Bild article's unwavering confidence that he will do well as those around him step up their game.

Furthermore, Liverpool will not support any action that enables Wirtz to ignore the criticism and silence the clamour, even if the Man Utd connections do not fully explain everything. Repeated external attacks can even be welcomed since Slot requires a siege mindset to restore his team to its peak.

TOP DEFENDER NICO SCHLOTTERBECK SNUBS CONTRACT, OPENING DOORS FOR LIVERPOOL MOVE

Liverpool's hopes of signing Nico Schlotterbeck rise as the Dortmund defender stalls on a new contract. The German is frustrated with tactics, putting Reds and Bayern Munich on alert for a 2026 transfer.

top-news
Liverpool’s Transfer Hopes Soar - COURTESY/PHOTO

The rumoured refusal of Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck to extend his contract at Signal Iduna Park has greatly increased Liverpool's chances of acquiring a new centre-back.

Bild claims that the 25-year-old German international is thinking about leaving the team because he has become more and more irritated with manager Niko Kovač's tactical style.

Schlotterbeck is reportedly dissatisfied with Dortmund's defensive scheme under Kovač, which emphasises a more cautious, risk-averse approach to play.

Schlotterbeck, who has established himself as a ball-playing centre-half who excels in progressive systems, has apparently felt constrained and underappreciated in his current position.

Nico Schlotterbeck is a bonus for Liverpool to sign him.
Several elite European teams, including Liverpool, have taken notice of the player's unwillingness to extend his contract, which is scheduled to expire in the summer of 2027.

Schlotterbeck is viewed by the Reds, who plan to reorganise their defence in 2026, as the perfect player to either support or eventually replace Virgil van Dijk.

The defensive line has been strengthened by Liverpool manager Arne Slot, especially in light of the mounting doubts about Ibrahima Konaté's future.

The Reds are looking at other options because the French defender has not agreed to an agreement and might depart on a free transfer next summer. In addition to Schlotterbeck, Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is still a top pick on the team's shortlist.

The German defender is a target for the Reds.


Liverpool will, however, have fierce competition to sign Schlotterbeck. Bayern Munich is also keeping a careful eye on the situation, according to Bild.

According to reports, the Bavarian powerhouses have asked him about his availability, although any domestic transfer could be complicated by the two teams' relationship.

This might be a significant step for Liverpool. Schlotterbeck's predicament offers a unique chance to acquire a seasoned, left-footed defender in his prime, since the team is currently studying Bundesliga players as part of their defensive rebuild.

The Liverpool transfer target speaks up about his future, saying, "My agent is taking care of everything."

LIVERPOOL STAR FEDERICO CHIESA TURNS DOWN INTERNATIONAL DUTY AHEAD OF WORLD CUP 2026

Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso is disappointed as Federico Chiesa rejects another national team call-up. The Liverpool winger hasn't played for the Azzurri in over 18 months, despite Gattuso's efforts to recall him.

top-news
Liverpool star says no to international call before 2026 World Cup - Photo Credit: Getty Images

After revealing that Federico Chiesa once again turned down an invitation to join the Italy team for the November internationals, Gennaro Gattuso has made no secret of his disappointment. Despite Gattuso's repeated attempts to reintegrate him into the team, the Liverpool forward, who is still looking for rhythm at the club level, is still not playing for the Azzurri.

The Continuous Absence of Chiesa from Italy Duty


The 28-year-old rejected the most recent invitation to play in World Cup qualifying matches against Moldova and Norway, according to the Italy manager. Since the 2-0 loss to Switzerland at the European Championships over eighteen months ago, just before he joined Liverpool, Chiesa has not played for his nation.

Gattuso clarified that the player had the final say and that their communication remained polite and consistent. "I often chat to him," he stated, as reported by Mail Sport. The choices and issues that each of us faces must be respected. I have to respect what the player tells me, and we are very aware of what we tell one another. I am at a loss for words. "Yes, it is now the fourth or fifth time that I am saying this," he continued when questioned further.

Chiesa's ongoing absence is turning into a noteworthy storyline in Italy because of his background and the necessity for attacking depth on the national team.


Italy Questions, Liverpool Minutes


It is an interesting position from Liverpool's perspective. According to Transfermarkt, the Italian forward has played more under Arne Slot than he did during his rookie campaign, although he has only made two Carabao Cup starts and accrued 344 minutes of action overall.

Inevitably, his inconsistent starts have led to conjecture in Italy. According to reports, Napoli is keeping an eye on his circumstances and would think about bringing him back to Serie A. Such rumours do not seem out of place, especially given Chiesa's unclear future with the national team and his age, where playing time is vital.

It is crucial to remember that he has not given a thorough public explanation for his decision to turn down the contact. It is best to refrain from passing judgment until his physical and personal conditions are clear. According to Gattuso's remarks, the player has his justifications, and the Italy staff is aware of the whole situation.

Maintaining Chiesa's fitness, engagement, and readiness to contribute is Liverpool's top objective. The club has praised his work ethic and dedication despite his limited playing time. He provides a distinct attacking profile that can be useful as the season goes on, provided he stays healthy and committed.

Premier League Standings

WhatsApp Read More News