Andoni Iraola defends struggling Liverpool star after criticism from club legend | Football

Florian Wirtz came in for heavy criticism from Jamie Carragher during Liverpool’s win at Bournemouth, but Andoni Iraola feels the German got much better after a slow start.

The 23-year-old had a poor first half on Sunday afternoon but did get a fortunate assist for Alexander Isak as the only goal of the game was scored on 57 minutes.

Wirtz is yet to score this season and it was his first assist in five outings as his time at Liverpool since his £116 million move in the summer of 2025 continues to be underwhelming.

Carragher was scathing of the Germany international at the start of the second half, saying he expected Iraola to take him off at the break.

‘I’m surprised Wirtz hasn’t come off,’ Carragher said on Sky Sports.

‘His first two touches, he’s given it away twice. I didn’t expect him back on the pitch after half-time.’

Iraola admitted it was not a good first half for the former Bayer Leverkusen man, but talked up his influence on the second as the Reds went on to win the match.

‘It was a slow start but after the first phase Florian helped us to improve and I am much happier with his performance in the second half,’ said the Liverpool manager.

Carragher had been very critical of Wirtz earlier in the game, seemingly running out of patience with him after a forgettable first season in the Premier League last time round.

‘That’s the third time Wirtz has got balls in simple areas and he has to do better,’ the Reds legend said during the first half. ‘Simple passes, simple controls.

‘Wirtz has been really poor again. It’s just nothing. Nothing is happening there at all.

‘In the main, people have been understanding of his situation. He’s new to the league and Liverpool were poor last season.

‘When you come for that price tag, people want goals and assists.’

Liverpool have now won two and drawn three of their opening five league games, sitting sixth in the table with just three goals conceded.

‘I’m obviously happy with the result because I know this is a difficult place to come,’ said Iraola.

‘We finished the first half better and were better in the second half. It was difficult for us.

‘Second half we controlled much better the game and had the chances to finish it. But in the first part of the game we were not winning second balls and when they play with such intensity you have to be at that level.’

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