Klopp Slams Wirtz After Liverpool’s Selhurst Park Collapse
Ex-Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has shocked supporters with a scathing outburst following the Reds’ defeat to Crystal Palace. The German icon, watching his old club stumble, directly singled out Florian Wirtz — and claimed he had already warned new head coach Arne Slot about relying on the young midfielder in big games.
Klopp pulled no punches in his criticism:
“I told Arne Slot about Wirtz. He refused to leave him out. That player keeps hurting the team, and yesterday he cost Liverpool the game. Playing him for 90 minutes was unforgivable.”
“Not Ready for Liverpool” – Klopp’s Brutal Verdict
Klopp, who brought Champions League and Premier League glory to Anfield, went even further, questioning Wirtz’s mentality and commitment.
“He doesn’t deserve to start. He must learn respect, understand the shirt he wears, and show the fight Liverpool demands.”
The former boss accused Wirtz of sloppy play in possession and a lack of defensive effort, leaving Liverpool exposed at key moments in the Palace defeat.
Fans Divide Over Klopp’s Intervention
Liverpool supporters were quick to react. Some backed Klopp’s assessment, insisting Slot was wrong to trust Wirtz for the full match. Others argued Klopp should not interfere, stressing that Slot needs freedom to build his own team.
Social media lit up with furious debate, with hashtags like #BenchWirtz, #SlotOut, and #KloppWasRight trending worldwide.
Pressure Rising on Arne Slot
For Slot, Klopp’s words could not come at a worse time. Already under the microscope as Klopp’s successor, he must now decide whether to persist with Wirtz or make sweeping changes to his midfield. Every call will be scrutinized as Liverpool head into a crucial run of fixtures.
The Big Question
Should Florian Wirtz really be trusted to start in Liverpool’s biggest games? Klopp clearly thinks not — and his intervention has left fans demanding answers. With tension building on Merseyside, Slot’s next team sheet may be as closely watched as the match itself.
