Former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn says he sees no cause for concern over Florian Wirtz's slow start at Liverpool. "If we already start writing off such a fantastic player.
Former Germany and Bayern Munich goalkeeper Oliver Kahn says he sees no cause for concern over Florian Wirtz's slow start at Liverpool.
"If we already start writing off such a fantastic player ... then something is going wrong," Kahn told broadcaster Sky on Thursday.
Wirtz joined Liverpool at the start of the season from Bayer Leverkusen for a hefty transfer fee of up to €150 million ($176 million). Wirtz is still waiting for his first goal in a Reds shirt after nine appearances across all competitions.
Criticism has grown after Liverpool lost their last two games, against Crystal Palace in the Premier League and most recently against Galatasaray in the Champions League.
Kahn said the 22-year-old playmaker must cope with the criticism he is facing in England.
"That's the reality of professional football," Kahn said, adding that the Premier League is a very different environment. "But it's good for his development."
Kahn praised Wirtz for taking on the challenge of the Premier League instead of staying in the Bundesliga and joining Bayern Munich, who also wanted to sign him.
"I have great respect for players who say, 'I'm taking the big step'," he said, adding that it is normal for Wirtz to need time to adapt.
Kahn does not believe Liverpool manager Arne Slot and the club's leadership will quickly lose patience with Wirtz. "You don't spend that much money on a player of his age just to crush him straight away. They will give him some time," he said.
Category: General Sports
