Florian Wirtz says Jurgen Klopp’s ability to motivate players and build their confidence has been a major influence on Liverpool’s improving form.
Wirtz was speaking before Germany’s UEFA Nations League group stage match away to Serbia on 13 November. Germany won the first meeting 2-0 in Munich, with Wirtz scoring one goal and setting up another.
The 22-year-old believes Germany have the quality to win again, provided they match that ability with the right attitude.
“With our strength, we are definitely capable of winning the game,” Wirtz told German media outlet Sportschau. “Of course, it also depends on how much we want to win.”
He added that the squad was “full of fighting spirit” and eager to take another step forward.
Wirtz arrives with confidence after scoring and assisting in a recent Liverpool victory. He said he has always enjoyed playing football, but that has been even more apparent recently because both his club and international sides have been performing well.
“Whenever I’m on the pitch training or playing, I enjoy it because when you’re playing, you forget about other things that bother you,” he said.
“Playing football just makes me happy, the team is in good form, and I’m in good form myself, and the two combine well.”
Asked what Klopp had done to help him recently, Wirtz said it was not one particular piece of advice but the manager’s approach to his players.
“I think it’s the way he interacts with players and how he gets into their minds to motivate everyone to get better every day,” he said.
According to Wirtz, Klopp has helped the whole team believe in its ability while making clear that the coach wants every player to reach their full potential.
“So, we’re really lucky to have him as our coach,” he said.
Wirtz rejected the suggestion that he had previously lacked belief in his own ability, saying he had always known he could play well regardless of whether he scored.
However, he acknowledged that individual confidence is helped when the team is functioning effectively.
“When the team performs better, you feel better yourself, and everything becomes a bit easier,” he said. “On some days, you have to work harder to achieve that. So, it’s always good to play in a well-functioning team.”
Wirtz was also asked about Germany team-mate Brajan Gruda after Klopp described the RB Leipzig player as “a cool guy who can play football”.
Wirtz agreed, praising Gruda’s left-foot technique and one-on-one ability. The pair have been in previous Germany squads together, while Wirtz has also faced Gruda in the Bundesliga.
“I’m glad we have such a player in our team, because it’s certainly fun to play and combine with players who have similar ideas,” Wirtz said.
Asked what kind of player he was himself, Wirtz replied: “I’ll let others say and judge.”
