Jonathan burkardt

FIFA World Cup: Wearing a shy smile, Florian Wirtz stepped onto the pitch at the small AOK Stadion in Wolfsburg. The home of VfL Wolfsburg's women's and youth teams erupted in warm applause from about 4,000 fans for the struggling Liverpool striker.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann's comments struck a chord. In a passionate address, the 38-year-old urged patience and support for the 22-year-old forward, while criticising Liverpool for failing to convert his chances. "He creates a lot, but they don't finish them. That's part of the truth," Nagelsmann said. "We all need to back him so he can clear his head and perform at his best - both here and in Liverpool."

Nagelsmann added that Liverpool lacked collective spirit. "Every one of the five strikers thinks he should be starting," he noted.