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Hamann Is Right: Iraola Just Can't Get The Best Out of Liverpool Star
REUTERS/Elisabeth Mandl

Oct 23, 2026, 6:16 AM GMT+1

Matt Smith is a football writer covering the Premier League and exclusive news for GIVEMESPORT. Matt joined the company in March 2023 and is an avid Everton supporter who regularly attends games in his spare time

He has previously worked for CaughtOffside where he covered world football including transfers, match reports, previews, and more. Matt also works for Squakwa, FotMob, WhoScored, and regularly appears on Sky Sports to speak about Everton.

He also creates tactical analysis social media content and regularly appears on podcasts. After spending a few years coaching, playing, and analysing football, Matt moved over to the writing side of the game a few years ago.

Matt also works in commentary and match reporting, providing detailed analysis on some of the biggest games in England and Europe, with his reports regularly published on the Premier League website. 

He has amassed over 28,000 followers on X by giving his insight on football, predominantly focusing on the tactical side of the game. 

 

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Liverpool attacker Florian Wirtz has struggled since his move to Anfield last summer, and former midfielder Didi Hamann has questioned whether Andoni Iraola can get the best out of him.

It's been an incredibly difficult period for Wirtz since his arrival from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen.

Arne Slot failed to get the best out of him last time, and that disappointing form has continued into this season.

The German international cost an incredible amount of money, and Liverpool need to find a way to get the best out of him.

Although Wirtz has shown signs of improving over the last few games, there's no doubt he's simply not been good enough so far.

It's unclear who has to take full blame for his struggles, but managers are there to get the best out of players and help develop them.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, former Liverpool midfielder Hamann has hinted that Iraola simply isn't getting the best out of him at the moment.

“In terms of Wirtz and his time in a Liverpool shirt, it's been tough, and I wanted to see Iraola get the best out of him. The manager said when he came in, he would play in the number 10 position, but his performance hasn't been better than last season."

As Hamann mentioned, Wirtz hasn't improved since Iraola made the move to Anfield. Iraola has shown plenty of faith in him, particularly in the Premier League, but his performances still haven't been good enough.

"I know how talented he is and what he is capable of, but I think he has lost all faith and belief in his abilities. I don't think he believes he can cut it in the Premier League. I don't see it happening for Wirtz at Liverpool," Hamann added.

Florian Wirtz's goals and assists

It's simply not working, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Liverpool look to sell him in the near future.

Whether that's Iraola's fault or Wirtz's remains to be seen, but that is now two managers who have struggled to get the best out of Wirtz.

If Liverpool ever want to see a return on their huge investment, whether that be financially or through performance levels, then the German international needs to step it up.

Hamann is right about Wirtz

Florian Wirtz
REUTERS/Scott Heppell

There's no doubt Hamann is completely right about Wirtz.

Many are quick to blame the player, but some of the responsibility has to be on the managers for failing to get the best out of them.

Iraola plays a high-energy pressing game, which isn't allowing Wirtz to show his true self.

The German international is doing well out of possession in terms of his work rate, but that means there's less focus on him making an impact from an attacking perspective.

But he's doing a lot of work when he could be used more as a luxury player in attacking midfield, focusing on getting him on the ball and making things happen.

Either way, it's simply not working out for him, and it wouldn't be a surprise if he's sold in the near future.

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