NewsFlorian Wirtz on life at Liverpool, Premier League targets and linking up with Hugo Ekitike
Florian Wirtz is loving life as a Liverpool player so far.
The Reds’ new No.7 impressed while making his Anfield debut for the club in the second friendly victory over Athletic Club on Monday night.
Wirtz, who signed from Bayer Leverkusen earlier this summer, previously scored in the pre-season win against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan and has detailed the enjoyment he has taken from his first weeks with the Premier League champions.
Speaking after his appearance against Athletic, the Germany playmaker told reporters: “I think I am a player who needs freedom on the pitch and the manager gives it to me.
“Of course, I have to respect the position and the players around me, but I try to give my best on the pitch and find the right places. I have the freedom for this.
“I came because I thought I could fit in this team and I am enjoying playing with these players. Every time it is getting a little bit better so I am happy with how it is going. I’m really enjoying the first weeks.
“I will try to find the right places to be and the right spaces to get the ball and to be dangerous and create chances.”
With Liverpool’s programme of pre-season fixtures now complete, attention turns to the start of the 2025-26 campaign.
First up is the FA Community Shield versus Crystal Palace at Wembley on Sunday, before Arne Slot’s side begin their defence of the top-flight title at home to AFC Bournemouth on Friday August 15.
Wirtz continued: “I have not played a match in the Premier League but I am looking forward to it and that is why I came.
“To be honest, I don’t know [how it will be]. There will be some differences to the German league but I think that is also something I can learn and make me better, so I am really looking forward to it.
“They tell me it’s more intense and more physical, every player is really strong, really fast. That is what everybody is telling me and I’m aware of that.
“The big challenge is to take the title again and it is the most difficult thing, so I try just to create chances and also work against the ball because I can also run a lot and I will try to bring this to the team.
“Then, with the ball, I hope I can make the team better and bring my teammates into better situations.”
Another new arrival, Hugo Ekitike, also made his Anfield bow for the Reds on Monday and Wirtz is delighted to have been joined on Merseyside by a fellow former Bundesliga star.
The 22-year-old added: “He is a really good player. I enjoyed watching him at Frankfurt and I was really happy that he decided to come to us. In the training sessions already, he went well and also in the game we had some combinations that were good. I am really happy that I can play with him.
“It is good that we have a few players that come at the same time, so we can connect a little bit and talk to each other about how we deal with it. That helps when you come to a new team.”