Sports
Wenger Slams Florian Wirtz: He’s Destroyed Liverpool
Legendary French coach Arsène Wenger has launched a fierce criticism against Florian Wirtz, the German midfielder of Liverpool, holding him directly responsible for disrupting the balance of the team that won the Premier League last season. His comments, made on beIN SPORTS, have sparked controversy in both England and Germany
“His signing broke Liverpool’s midfield”
The former Arsenal manager claimed that the biggest mistake in Wirtz’s arrival at Anfield were his demands during negotiations with the English club. According to Wenger, the German insisted on a non-negotiable condition: he wanted to play exclusively as a central attacking midfielder — his natural position — and not adapt to the team’s tactical needs.
“The problem lies in the demand Wirtz made to Liverpool. He asked to play as a No.10 and not on the wing if they wanted to finalize the deal. That move has destroyed the midfield of last season’s Premier League champions, where Gravenberch, Mac Allister, and Szoboszlai shone. With Wirtz in the mix, now Szoboszlai has to play wide,” Wenger stated.
The Frenchman didn’t hold back and added that if he were on the Reds’ bench, he would completely reshape the lineup. “If I were Arne Slot, I’d go back to last season’s midfield and play Wirtz on the left, giving him width in attack and freedom to move. But keeping him in the center has been a strategic mistake,” concluded the former coach of Arsenal’s “Invincibles.”
Liverpool Wins, but Wirtz Still Struggles
Wenger’s comments come just after Liverpool defeated Real Madrid 1-0 at Anfield in the fourth round of the Champions League. Although the win restored confidence for the English side, Wirtz once again went unnoticed. He barely influenced the game and was substituted in the second half without creating clear chances or showing the creativity that made him one of the most expensive signings of the summer.
Coach Arne Slot, meanwhile, preferred to highlight the team’s collective effort. “It was one of our best performances of the season. We could’ve scored more. Courtois was incredible — he’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world,” he said.
However, the British press has already begun debating whether Wirtz truly fits into the new Liverpool system. His talent is unquestionable, but adapting to the pace and intensity of the Premier League seems to be taking its toll. Meanwhile, Wenger’s words reopen a debate Anfield hoped was behind them: was Florian Wirtz the wrong signing for the Reds?
Real Madrid boss José Mourinho has weighed in on Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic retirement from international football.
The 41-year-old Al Nassr striker shocked the footballing world on Thursday by announcing his permanent withdrawal from the Portugal national team, drawing the curtain on a legendary 23-year international career.
Addressing the media fallout during his Friday press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming LALIGA fixture against Valencia, Mourinho offered a supportive perspective on the situation.
Mourinho, who previously managed Ronaldo at the Santiago Bernabéu, insisted that the veteran’s controversial exit should not overshadow his monumental contributions to the country.
“His decision must be respected, and I do respect it,” Mourinho daid
However, the Portuguese tactician also expressed visible regret over the sour circumstances surrounding the departure of his nation’s greatest-ever player.
“The only thing I wish for is that the moment of his retirement as a player will be different from his farewell yesterday,” the Real Madrid boss added.
While Ronaldo’s international days are officially over, Mourinho was incredibly quick to remind reporters that the forward remains a devastating force in domestic football.
“He hasn’t ended his career; those who know him are aware that he still has goals,” Mourinho stated emphatically.
Kelechi Iheanacho was on target as Bursaspor played out a 1-1 draw against Antalyaspor in their TFF 1. Lig encounter on Friday night.
The Nigeria international had previously scored in 12 consecutive league matches for Bursaspor before his remarkable scoring run came to an end against Bandırmaspor last weekend
Iheanacho restored his scoring touch by opening the scoring against Antalyaspor in the 26th minute.
However, an own goal from Tural Bayramov brought the visitors level before the half-time break.
The striker has now recorded an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 14 league appearances for Bursaspor this season.
Despite dropping points, Bursaspor remain top of the league standings with 37 points
England manager Thomas Tuchel has left Cole Palmer and Phil Foden out of his latest squad for the final Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain.
However, Jobe Bellingham and Fulham midfielder Josh King have received their first senior call-ups.
Tuchel said Palmer had missed too many opportunities to represent England, despite scoring five goals and providing three assists for Chelsea this season.
Jobe Bellingham joins his elder brother, Jude, in the squad after impressing at Borussia Dortmund.
King also earns his first call-up following a strong start to the season, with two goals and one assist in the Premier League.
Defender Ben White returns to the squad for the first time since March, while Declan Rice is also back after missing the previous camp through injury.
Djed Spence has also returned after recovering from injury.
England will host Croatia at Wembley on November 12 before travelling to Madrid to face Spain three days later.
Tuchel’s side are second in Group A4, three points behind leaders Spain. The top two teams will qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals.
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