Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong both made the move from Bayer Leverkusen to Liverpool in the summer. Depending on who you choose to believe, the combined pair cost a figure not far from €200m.
So far they haven’t managed to show they’re worth that. After the weekend loss against Crystal Palace, Arne Slot appeared to blame Frimpong. The Liverpool manager criticised an unnamed player for decisions which came before Palace’s late winner.
The German media have taken that player to be Frimpong, and told a local audience things aren’t going well. Kicker are one of those covering it, and they also touch upon Florian Wirtz.
English media ‘unusually lenient’ with Florian Wirtz
Frimpong has had limited minutes so far, but Wirtz has had over 500. During that time he’s failed to either score or contribute an assist. Given the huge fee paid that would often see harsh criticism.
Instead it’s been somewhat muted. Kicker believe the English media have been ‘unusually lenient’ and ‘gracious’ with Wirtz.
Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has again spoken about the player moving to Liverpool. The Bayern Munich chief was mocking Nick Woltemade to Newcastle United, and found time for Wirtz.
SportBild quote him as saying: “We’re actually a little sorry about Florian because he’s a great player and I think he would have been a perfect fit for us.”
There’s already been multiple comments in Germany that Wirtz may have been better off staying in the Bundesliga. Indeed, his transfer to Liverpool, and lack of success so far, is perhaps being questioned more in his home country.
The English media can be very harsh when big signings don’t impress immediately. Players such as Paul Pogba have seen that first hand, with pundits ready to be almost cruel.
Liverpool being top of the league may be a reason for the relatively mild reaction. Florian Wirtz will want to take advantage of that leeway and start producing.
Away at Galatasaray tomorrow would be a good start.
