In a surprising and fiery press conference, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola fiercely criticized Liverpool’s €150 million acquisition of German star Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. What was expected to be a routine pre-season update turned into a scathing tirade that left reporters stunned.
Calling the transfer both “financially reckless” and tactically misguided, Guardiola warned that Liverpool would come to regret the move. “Wirtz has talent, but €150 million? That’s ridiculous,” he said. “When our board asked if we should go after him, I said no without hesitation.”
While acknowledging Wirtz’s technical prowess, Guardiola questioned his ability to adapt to the Premier League’s intensity and physicality. “This league demands warriors, not just artists. Wirtz lacks the steel for that challenge,” he added.
In a shocking twist, Guardiola claimed that even Jürgen Klopp had advised against the transfer before leaving Liverpool, having instead recommended a more pragmatic, less flashy alternative. Ignoring that advice, according to Guardiola, was a strategic misstep.
The City boss also raised concerns about the pressure Wirtz will face due to his price tag, warning it could disrupt squad harmony and place undue stress on the player. “A €150 million fee brings unrealistic expectations. If things go wrong, it’s not just Wirtz who’ll suffer—it’s the whole club.”
He also questioned how Wirtz would fit into new manager Arne Slot’s high-pressing, high-intensity tactics. “He’s a technician. But Liverpool need relentless runners and pressers—not luxury players who want freedom.”
Guardiola compared Wirtz to other technically gifted players who have flopped in England, saying the Premier League is a far cry from the structured, space-rich Bundesliga. “You can shine in Germany—but try a cold night in Burnley or Newcastle. That’s the real test.”
The psychological burden of the massive fee also came under scrutiny. Guardiola warned that the media pressure and locker-room dynamics could backfire. “One star earning more attention and money can unbalance a squad.”
He further speculated that Liverpool’s leadership made the signing out of a need to make a bold statement post-Klopp, rather than as part of a calculated long-term plan. “It feels like a panic buy masked as ambition.”
Reactions to Guardiola’s comments have been divided. Some see it as a strategic mind game aimed at destabilizing Liverpool, while others say his concerns are valid given his experience. Social media is ablaze, with Liverpool fans rallying behind Wirtz under hashtags like #InWirtzWeTrust.
As the new season approaches, the pressure is on. Florian Wirtz must now prove that Liverpool’s gamble will pay off—on the pitch and beyond
