Germany legend Thomas Müller believes Florian Wirtz would be facing far heavier scrutiny if he were producing his current form at Bayern Munich rather than Liverpool. The former Bayern star has suggested that the intense spotlight surrounding the Bavarian giants would have made the Reds midfielder’s slow start far more difficult to navigate.
Wirtz completed a headline-grabbing move to Anfield last summer after turning down interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester City, with Liverpool paying £116 million to secure his signature from Bayer Leverkusen. Expectations were immediately sky-high, but the 22-year-old has yet to fully deliver on them during his opening months in England.
Wirtz is showing signs of progress after a difficult beginning
The German international has endured a frustrating introduction to life on Merseyside, failing to score in 22 appearances across all competitions under Arne Slot. While his technical quality has been evident, his end product has been missing, prompting questions about his adaptation to the physical and tactical demands of the Premier League.
However, there were signs of encouragement last weekend when Wirtz registered his first league assist during Liverpool’s 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur. He played a key role in the opening goal, setting up Alexander Isak with a perfectly weighted pass in north London.
That moment was quickly overshadowed by misfortune, as Isak suffered a fractured leg after being caught by Micky van de Ven while finishing the move. The Sweden striker has since been ruled out for several weeks, dealing a major blow to both player and club.
Müller explains Bayern’s pressure by referencing Wirtz
Speaking to German outlet SZ, Müller used Wirtz as an example when explaining why he chose to remain at Bayern Munich for so long instead of seeking a move abroad earlier in his career. The World Cup winner stressed that nowhere compares to Bayern when it comes to relentless attention and expectation.
Müller explained that representing Bayern while also being a German international places players under constant scrutiny, regardless of whether results are good or bad. While he thrived under that pressure, he admitted it can be unforgiving for those struggling to settle.
Referencing Wirtz directly, Müller suggested that remaining in the Bundesliga would likely have made the midfielder’s transition smoother. At Bayern, he would have been familiar with the league and environment, but the price would have been intense daily criticism if performances dipped.
Bayern’s spotlight is far harsher than the Anfield environment
When asked specifically about Wirtz’s current struggles, Müller was clear that the situation would look very different in Munich. According to the Bayern icon, Liverpool’s global profile does not generate the same level of constant domestic pressure that Bayern players face in Germany.
Müller noted that at Bayern, every underwhelming performance is magnified, with players rarely escaping criticism. He added that playing abroad can sometimes shield players from relentless media focus, particularly when adapting to a new league.
The former Bayern forward’s comments come from vast experience, having spent 17 years with the German giants, winning 33 trophies and cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greatest ever players. He also played a crucial role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup triumph and remains one of the tournament’s most prolific scorers.
Slot details how Liverpool is supporting Wirtz
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has publicly backed Wirtz, insisting the midfielder is making steady progress behind the scenes. Ahead of the win over Tottenham, Slot explained that the entire squad is adjusting to the physical demands of English football, not just new arrivals.
Slot highlighted moments in recent matches where Wirtz has shown increased strength, confidence, and resilience in duels. He pointed to instances against Brighton where the midfielder held off challenges, drove forward with purpose, and created chances, signs that adaptation is underway.
The Liverpool boss also stressed that gym work alone is not enough preparation for Premier League football. Match exposure, repeated minutes, and in-game experience are essential, and Slot believes Wirtz is benefiting from that process.
Wirtz will hope to build on that progress when Liverpool face winless Wolves at Anfield, as he continues his search for a first goal in red and looks to silence early doubts surrounding his record-breaking move.