Is Florian Wirtz’s £100M Liverpool Dream Turning Into a Nightmare? Jamie Carragher Demands Big Changes

Is Florian Wirtz’s £100M Liverpool Dream Turning Into a Nightmare? Jamie Carragher Demands Big Changes

 

By The Football House 

Published on October 13, 2026

The honeymoon period for Florian Wirtz at Liverpool seems to be officially over. Following a crushing 3-0 defeat to Manchester City at Anfield, club legend Jamie Carragher delivered a brutally honest assessment of the £100m blockbuster signing, demanding that the German playmaker be dropped from the starting XI.

Liverpool’s attack looked completely toothless on Sunday, and with Andoni Iraola searching for answers, fans and pundits alike are asking: Is it time to bench Florian Wirtz?

"He's Giving Nothing": Carragher’s Blistering Ultimatum

Speaking on Sky Sports after the match, Carragher did not hold back when analyzing Wirtz’s performance.

"I think he needs to come out of the team, I said it last time and I’ll say it again," Carragher stated. "Liverpool have a serious problem this season scoring goals and creating opportunities, and that’s what Wirtz was brought in for. He’s contributing nothing defensively and nothing in attack."

Despite injury absences to key attackers like Cody Gakpo, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Alexander Isak, Wirtz failed to step up as the primary creator against City. In six starts across all competitions this season, the marquee summer signing has registered just a single assist.

Carragher went even further, comparing Wirtz's current impact to past Liverpool midfielders:

"I looked back at players who weren't considered good enough for Liverpool to win a league title or Champions League, but who had a real impact... Players like Nicky Barmby, Vladimir Smicer, Yossi Benayoun, Maxi Rodríguez, Jari Litmanen, Philippe Coutinho, Steven Gerrard, Steve McManaman. They’ve all contributed more than this kid so far."

Tactical Dilemma for Andoni Iraola

Until Ryan Gravenberch received a red card just past the hour mark, Liverpool looked competitive. However, the floodgates opened shortly after, as rapid goals from Erling Haaland, Jérémy Doku, and Rayan Cherki handed Iraola his first defeat as Liverpool manager.

The defeat leaves Iraola facing an unexpected challenge. Known for his high-octane offensive style at Bournemouth, Iraola’s Liverpool side currently lacks creative spark in the final third.

Carragher noted that a tactical rebalance in midfield is urgently needed, advocating for Gravenberch’s inclusion to add "height, strength, and engine" to complement the front line.

What’s Next for the Reds? (London / UK Kickoff Times)

Liverpool must bounce back quickly as they head into a busy week of European and domestic fixtures. Mark your calendars with the updated UK match schedule:

🔴 Support the Reds in Style!

Whether you're heading to Anfield or cheering from home, make sure you're geared up for matchday!

What do you think?

Should Iraola drop Florian Wirtz for the upcoming Champions League clash, or does the youngster deserve more time to adapt?Drop your comments below and join the debate!

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