Liverpool news: Florian Wirtz’s response to critics as star’s training behaviour speaks volumes

Mirror Football takes a look at the latest news coming out of Anfield, as Florian Wirtz’s reaction to his critics shows the German’s true colours

Criticism towards Liverpool remains as heavy as ever as the Reds look to recover from yet another defeat. Their 3-0 trouncing at the hands of Manchester City was the second defeat in a row that preceded the international break, following their 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace in September.

With 11 games played, the reigning league champions are left eighth in the table and are already eight points behind league leaders Arsenal. The Reds looked to have turned a corner following victories against Aston Villa and Real Madrid but morale once again suffered a blow at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

With the third international break of the season underway, the two-week break offers Arne Slot yet another opportunity to drag his side out of the poor form that has plagued them for almost two months.

Mirror Football delves into the news surrounding the Merseyside giants, including Florian Wirtz’s response to his critics and a dressing room chat between two Reds stars.

Wirtz’s response to critics

Among Liverpool’s issues this season has been Florian Wirtz and his struggles to adapt thus far to life in England’s top-flight. Given he’s a player the Reds broke the British transfer record for in a £100m deal, more was certainly expected of the 22-year-old than what he’s shown in the first three months of his Reds career.

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Without a goal or an assist in 11 league games, the German came in for staunch criticism after the 3-0 defeat at the Etihad Stadium from several former players, including Gary Neville. Having commentated on the game, the Manchester United legend was discussing Wirtz’s performance on the Gary Neville Podcast and said the attacking midfielder looked like a “little boy” during the game.

“We’ve been tip-toeing around him haven’t we, for a few months, around the fact that he’s young, coming to a new country,” he said. “But he’s £120million, you’re going to have to stand up soon. He’s obviously got something.

“He’s a really good player and technically fantastic, but he’s been mauled out there today by [Matheus] Nunes and by others. He’s been chucked around the pitch and didn’t deliver in the quality side of things either. His performance was a real worry.

“Wirtz is a problem, let’s call it what it is. It’s an issue. He’s £120m and he looked like a little boy out there. It can’t be the case. He’s a German international of great standing and he looks well short of what you’d expect from a top physical match.”

The consistent criticism may prove difficult to stomach for some players, but reportedly not Wirtz. According to German publication BILD, Wirtz has been taking no notice of Neville’s comments given the rivalry that stems between Liverpool and Man United, illustrating the faith he has in himself to eventually come good.

Ekitike’s training behaviour

Hugo Ekitike has undoubtedly been Liverpool’s best summer signing and despite scoring just one goal since late September, the Frenchman has impressed in his debut season in England.

His early season form contributed to a first call-up to France’s senior squad alongside Ibrahima Konate and the defender revealed just how determined the 23-year-old is to become a success for club and country.

Speaking to Canal+, the 26-year-old revealed that it was a challenge he put forth to Ekitike that showed him the lengths he’ll go to in order to fulfil his potential. “Once, I pulled his ears a little, but it was funny,” Konate said.

“We had to go to the gym after one of the training sessions and the intensity we put into training, it’s true that it’s very hard. And he was tired. I go to him and I tell him: ‘Go ahead, we’re going to the gym there’. And he told me: ‘I’m knocked out here, I’m tired’. In fact, we don’t have to go to the gym, but it’s better to go, because we’re like ‘summoned’.

“I look at him and for two seconds, I don’t talk to him. And I said to him: ‘Do you want to go to the France team or not?’ And then I leave (laughs). A minute later, he was in the dining room (ready to go the gym).

“The anecdote is a bit funny but afterwards, he quickly understood how it happened. In terms of work, he’s someone who is very diligent and who will progress, I have no doubt about that.”

Robertson’s contract influence

Following last season’s contract conundrum involving Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Reds find themselves in a similar situation surrounding Robertson and Konate.

Both players’ contracts expire at the end of the season and it was only several months ago when it looked like the Scotsman was preparing to depart Anfield this past summer amid interest from Atletico Madrid.

However, a move to the Spanish giants never came to fruition. Despite starting the season behind Milos Kerkez, the 31-year-old has regained his spot in Slot’s starting line-up, with rumours suggesting he could be in line for an extension given his form.

It was after the loss to Manchester City that Robertson discussed his contract situation and seemed to take a page out of Alexander-Arnold’s book when admitting whatever happens with his deal will not be played out in public.

Robertson said: “I think last season everyone was bored of talking about the three lads [Salah, Van Dijk, and Trent], but for me, the relationship between me and the club has been a wonderful one. They’ve done everything for me and my family, and I think I’ve not been too bad for them either.

“Whatever happens will happen behind closed doors, and I’m relaxed about it. If it is my last year, then it’s my last year. If it’s not, then so be it.”

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