Iraola praises Klopp’s “very smart” decision over Wirtz
Andoni Iraola has praised Jurgen Klopp’s decision to delay Florian Wirtz’s involvement with Germany during the upcoming international break.
Germany’s new manager named a 44-man squad and split the players into two groups, with Wirtz selected for the final two matches. The Liverpool midfielder will therefore miss Germany’s opening two fixtures before joining the squad for the games against Serbia and Greece.
Iraola believes the decision will benefit Wirtz, Liverpool and the German national team by giving the 23-year-old some additional time to rest.
“I think he is very smart with what he has done,” Iraola said.
Wirtz has covered more ground than any other Liverpool player this season but has attracted criticism after failing to score in his first five starts, registering just one assist.
Klopp has urged people to look beyond goals and assists when assessing Wirtz, stressing that the midfielder’s overall contribution to the team is more important.
The delayed international involvement will also give Wirtz additional recovery time before Liverpool face Manchester City on October 11.
Iraola confirmed that he has not yet spoken with Klopp but expects to communicate with Germany’s coaching staff regarding Liverpool’s players.
