Wirtz sends clear message to Carragher after impressing with Liverpool

Florian Wirtz has responded to criticism he faced this season, stating he does not care about the opinions of his detractors. This comes after his contribution to Liverpool's victory over Brighton, marking his fourth consecutive win.

Florian Wirtz stated in remarks to the BBC: "I might just be an interesting person, you know? No, I just play football, and if people want to talk about me or judge me, that's their job. I don't focus on that, I just want to play football, and I can't do more than that."

The German player contributed to Liverpool's lead against Brighton, with a shot that deflected off Pascal Groß and settled in the net, before Alexander Isak added the second goal, following a pass from Bradley Barcola. Florian Wirtz left the pitch in the 65th minute due to an ankle injury, but the team's coach Andoni Iraola downplayed the severity of the injury, explaining that the player suffered a minor sprain, with the need to monitor his condition given the schedule of matches every three days.

Florian Wirtz has come under sharp criticism from Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool legend and television analyst, who questioned the wisdom of starting him, arguing that his level does not justify the £116.5 million the club paid to sign him from Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the summer of 2025. Carragher said following Liverpool's 3-0 defeat to Manchester City: "There is no justification for starting Wirtz ahead of Gravenberch. What Florian Wirtz is offering Liverpool right now is not enough."

Jamie Carragher has added that the player does not pose a real threat to the goal, pointing out that his performance so far does not match the value of the transfer. Florian Wirtz has one goal and three assists this season, as he seeks to prove his abilities and respond to criticism on the pitch.