Bayer Leverkusen boss slams hasty criticism of “fantastic footballer”
Kasper Hjulmand, current head coach at Bayer Leverkusen, has called for patience with Liverpool midfielder Florian Wirtz following his difficult start to life in England.
Wirtz joined Liverpool from Leverkusen in the summer for a deal worth up to £116m, breaking the British transfer record at the time.
But the German international has yet to hit form, and his early struggles have been met with criticism by some pundits and fans, with the infamous “007” joke circulating on social media comparing the German to James Bond. That is, no goals or assists in his first seven appearances.
Wirtz is still searching for his first goal contribution for the club after 10 appearances across all competitions.
His lack of end product has also coincided with a dip in team form. The champions lost three consecutive matches heading into October’s international break.
Hjulmand, now in charge at the club where Wirtz emerged into one of Europe’s most promising young players, dismissed the criticism as premature.
“Come on, he’s only just arrived there,” Hjulmand told Sport Bild. “Believe me, he’ll prove himself to everyone. Even the experts in England. I’m sure of it.
“Show me one player who can perform at his best from day one in a new club and a new league. It’s impossible.”
Wirtz was central to Leverkusen’s famous unbeaten title-winning campaign under Xabi Alonso, producing 11 goals and 12 assists in the league.
However, adapting to the pace and physicality of the English game has proved difficult. There has also been a lack of rhythm or chemistry between the player and his new teammates.
“Florian is a fantastic footballer with outstanding qualities,” said Hjulmand. “We all know how fast-paced everything is in football: if he scores two great goals in the next two games, people will say, ‘Now he’s arrived.’ That will be just as wrong as the recent criticism.
“Give him time, let him play, and everyone in Liverpool will see how good he is. I have no doubt he will prove himself.”
