Liverpool manager Arne Slot has revealed his plan to unlock the full potential of £116 million signing Florian Wirtz — and it involves one simple thing: patience and consistent playing time.
The 22-year-old German midfielder, who arrived from Bayer Leverkusen this summer, has yet to make a direct goal contribution in his first seven Premier League games.
But despite the slow start, Slot believes Wirtz’s performances show promise beyond the stats sheet.
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Slot’s plan for Florian Wirtz breakthrough
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Liverpool’s clash with Manchester United, Slot said he’s fully confident that Wirtz will soon deliver.
“He has to play and he’s played a lot. Because he’s come from a different league and played so many games, it’s quite normal that once in a while he needs a game where he doesn’t play like I’ve done with Mo Salah and many others,” Slot explained.
“To get the best out of him, it’s of course necessary for him to play and that’s what he did and what he’s going to do in the upcoming weeks.”
Slot also addressed the pressure that comes with Wirtz’s hefty transfer fee, noting that many overlook the midfielder’s creative impact simply because his teammates haven’t finished the chances he’s created.
“He could easily have six or seven assists already,” Slot pointed out, adding that Wirtz has been “a bit unlucky” in front of goal through no fault of his own.
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“Even De Bruyne needed time” — Slot urges calm
The Dutch coach compared Wirtz’s early adaptation period to that of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne, who initially struggled during his first spell in England. Slot reminded fans that even great players need time to adjust to new environments.
Captain Virgil van Dijk echoed the same message, emphasizing the importance of settling in off the pitch. “When you come in for big money, you need to feel calm, your family needs to be happy — then you can perform,” the skipper said.
Liverpool supporters might be hoping for instant magic from their new star, but Slot’s message is clear: the best is yet to come. And if history is anything to go by, good things happen when great players are given the time to find their rhythm.