‘Your life is a bit upside down’ - Arne Slot tells Liverpool star

Liverpool manager Arne Slot sent a powerful message to Florian Wirtz after a slow start in the Premier League.

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has voiced his support for summer signing Florian Wirtz, admitting he fully understands the difficulties the German international has faced while settling into life in the Premier League.

Wirtz, arrived at Anfield amid huge expectations following his standout performances with Bayer Leverkusen.

However, his early weeks in England were met with scrutiny, as critics questioned his lack of goals and assists during the opening part of the campaign.

Those concerns have begun to fade in recent matches. Wirtz has now registered his first goal and assist in consecutive games, showing glimpses of the creativity and intelligence that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders.

What Slot said

Speaking at a recent press conference, Slot stressed that adapting to a new country can be just as demanding as adjusting to a new style of football.

“I can only answer from my experience being an old man, or at least much older than him, and the first few months in a different country. it’s different,” Slot said.

He added, “Your life is a bit upside down, and that for a manager is not the biggest problem because I don’t have to perform on the pitch.”

The Liverpool boss emphasised that players often need time to feel comfortable away from football before their best form can emerge on it.

Slot also highlighted the physical demands of English football as a key hurdle for overseas signings.

“The biggest adaptation if you come from abroad is this league and how intense it is,” he explained.

With confidence building, Wirtz is expected to play an important role in Liverpool’s New Year’s Day clash against Leeds United.

The Reds will be aiming to bounce back and close the gap on third-placed Aston Villa after their recent 4–1 defeat to Arsenal.