Julian Nagelsmann backs Florian Writz amid tough start at Liverpool, says 'it's not his fault...'

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has backed Florian Writz after a tough start at Liverpool. The Reds signed the 22-year-old from Bayer Leverkusen this summer in a reported £116m deal.

Writz came with an amazing record, having won the Bundesliga in the 2023-24 season. He scored 16 goals and 15 assists from 45 matches across all competition last season, but has struggled to create an impact at Liverpool.

The German midfielder has managed to register just one assist in 10 matches in all competitions for Liverpool so far, and looks a shadow of the player who lit up the Bundesliga. On Friday, October 10, Writz created four chances and hit the post with a free kick in Germany's 4-0 win against Luxembourg, but failed to get on the scoresheet.

In a conversation with Sport1 full-time, Nagelsmann insisted that his countryman's poor form at Liverpool is not entirely the player's fault.

“Even if he hasn’t scored a goal, he’s the player who creates the most chances in the Premier League. It’s not his fault if his teammate doesn’t create them, and the statistic isn’t even a third of the truth," said Nagelsmann.

He added:

“He simply has to get used to the league. I’ve seen him feel completely liberated. He knows what he’s capable of and how things work. Not everything has always been handed to him—he’ll work hard now, too.”

Liverpool next face Manchester United at Anfield on October 19.

Liverpool to sign Dayot Upamecano?

Liverpool are preparing a Bosman move for Dayot Upamecano next summer, as per journalist Dean Jones. The French defender's contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this season, and he has not penned a new contract yet.

Speaking to TEAMtalk, Jones added that the Reds will make an offer for Upamecano if he has not agreed to an extension by January.

“If there is no agreement on a Bayern deal by the new year, then Liverpool are expected to more formally show their interest in the player. They would need to move quickly because they are not the only club with eyes on him, Real Madrid also have half an eye on him at the moment," said Jones.

Arne Slot was interested in roping a new defender this season, but a move to Marc Guehi broke down in the eleventh hour.