The football world is buzzing after Pep Guardiola unleashed a scathing critique of Liverpool’s headline €150M signing of Florian Wirtz, labeling it a decision the club “will come to regret.”
In a fiery interview already sparking debate across the sport, the Manchester City boss didn’t mince words:
“The truth can hurt, but Liverpool fans deserve honesty. Wirtz is okay—but he’s nowhere near worth £70M. When City considered him, I said no. I want fighters, not just technically gifted players.”
Guardiola went further, claiming that former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had actually advised the club to pursue a different player before leaving—one he believed would have been a more suitable Premier League signing:
“Klopp gave them sound advice, a better option. But they went a different route. Now they’re throwing away money, and the consequences will show soon.”
Pep also cast doubt on Wirtz’s ability to handle the Premier League’s intensity:
“He won’t last in this league. I know the player well—this isn’t the Bundesliga, where you get space and time. In England, it’s a battle every weekend.”
The comments are especially striking considering Wirtz’s blockbuster move from Bayer Leverkusen has just set a new Premier League transfer record and marks a bold first move by new Liverpool manager Arne Slot.
Whether Guardiola is genuinely concerned or trying to stir up psychological warfare ahead of the season is up for debate—but one thing’s certain: Florian Wirtz is entering Anfield under immense scrutiny and pressure