ReactionWhy Florian Wirtz believes better times are coming for Liverpool

The Reds recovered from a goal down to draw 1-1 with Sunderland at Anfield on Wednesday night, with Wirtz the driving force behind the 81st-minute equaliser.

The No.7 weaved his way into space in the penalty area before seeing his shot hit Nordi Mukiele and go in, after Chemsdine Talbi’s deflected hit had put the visitors ahead.

Arne Slot’s team then went in search of a late winner that never arrived and, post-match, Wirtz told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m disappointed that we didn’t win. Of course, when you go 1-0 down it’s always better to get a point than zero but of course we wanted to win.

“The fans were there for us so [I am] a bit disappointed but also a bit proud that we came back like this after a setback. At the moment it is not easy for us because not everything is going in our way, so we have to be patient and keep the hard work up.

“We didn’t have so many chances in the first half I think and we knew that we would get a few [in the second half]. We just had to be patient and to keep the pressure on, or even more than the first half.

“That’s what we tried and then the 1-0 was a bit unlucky – I think we could have won the duel before and then also the deflection was a bit unlucky.

“But in the end we get one point and that is better than nothing… we did a good job after the 1-0 and we have to keep going like this in the next games.”

• Read our match report from Anfield

Wirtz continued: “We have unbelievable quality in the changing room – personalities and great players. We just have still to find each other a bit more and to create a bit better momentum for us and then I think everything will go in our direction soon.

“But we just have to work hard and stay together as a team and as a club, and hopefully we will be more successful.”

The Germany playmaker completed the full 90 minutes and was again bright following his excellent display in the win at West Ham United last weekend.

He added: “I’m just happy that things go a little bit more in my direction. I try always to work hard on the pitch, against the ball as well, but sometimes you need also a little bit of luck that you get the goal or assist.

“But in the end it just matters that we win. Today we couldn’t but the next one, try again.”

• Arne Slot press conference: Every word on Liverpool 1-1 Sunderland