“We have to get better” – Florian Wirtz sends strong message after disappointing Fulham draw

Liverpool Held 2-2 at Fulham as Florian Wirtz Demands More

Liverpool extended their unbeaten run to nine matches with a 2-2 draw at Fulham on Sunday, but the mood afterwards felt more like a dressing room setback than a step forward. Arne Slot’s side, Premier League champions in 2024/25, remain a work in progress in 2026, sitting fourth in the table, a position that flatters the results more than the recent performances.

The Reds thought they had snatched a dramatic win at Craven Cottage when Cody Gakpo fired them 2-1 ahead in the 94th minute, completing a spirited second-half comeback. Yet Fulham had the final word, Harrison Reed hammering in a long-range equaliser in the dying seconds, a gut punch delivered just when Liverpool believed they had escaped the narrative of frustration.

Photo: IMAGO

Florian Wirtz, Liverpool’s creative heartbeat, scored the equaliser that dragged the visitors back into the match after Harry Wilson had put Fulham ahead in the first half. It was only his second goal for the club, and one that came with a delayed roar of validation, VAR intervening to overturn the on-field decision that had initially flagged him offside.

Speaking to Sky Sports, as quoted by liverpoolfc.com, the 22-year-old did little to hide his disappointment, despite his personal milestone. “Not satisfied at all. I think we need points, we wanted three points,” he said. “We know there’s no easy game in this league. Especially how we came back, three points would have been [a] must-have.”

Fulham Test Highlights Liverpool Vulnerability

For long spells in the first half, Liverpool lacked rhythm and structure. Fulham’s press resistance and midfield rotations pulled the visitors apart, exposing a team that looked hesitant in possession and disconnected out of it. The intensity that Slot demands was conspicuous by its absence before the interval.

Wirtz acknowledged the contrast sharply. “I think the intensity we brought on the pitch in the second half was much better. In the first half, we didn’t press them well, we didn’t find solutions to play. The second half was much better and we scored also two goals.”

Liverpool’s issues were not tactical complexity, they were execution, urgency, and cohesion. Fulham deserve credit, Marco Silva’s side remain one of the league’s smartest operators when punching above expectation, but Liverpool’s first-half passivity helped write the script.

Wirtz Liverpool Role Growing but Standards Higher

Liverpool have big plans for Florian Wirtz, both as a player and a brand statement. His ability to connect midfield and attack is already “emphasised” by his importance in every progressive sequence. Yet even he admitted surprise at the emotional swing that accompanied his goal.

“I was sure it was offside, so I didn’t even celebrate,” he said. “I’m happy that I scored but I would rather take the three points.”

Liverpool’s fanbase, spoiled by the relentless energy of the previous era, are still adjusting to a new identity under Slot. The German’s comments echo a wider feeling that results are being salvaged rather than controlled.

Liverpool, Wirtz, Fulham and Lessons Ahead

Liverpool’s unbeaten streak is technically intact, but the underlying data of dropped leads, slow starts and late-game concessions tells a less polished story. Fulham have now drawn twice with Liverpool in recent weeks, underlining that this fixture is no longer predictable, and that Liverpool cannot lean on reputation to secure points.

Wirtz summed up the sentiment perfectly. “I think again we are in a bit of a difficult situation now because we drew two times, first at home and now today. That’s not what we want, we want more. We have to get better but it’s still a process and hopefully [in the] next game we are there again.”

Liverpool will hope those words prove to be a rallying cry rather than a recurring refrain. With Fulham showing their resilience, and Wirtz showing his ambition, the next chapter must feature sharper beginnings, steadier game management and points that are earned earlier, not merely rescued late.