Premier League Adaptation: Wirtz Needs Time To Adjust To Intensity, Slot Explains

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says overseas arrivals such as Florian Wirtz need patience as they adjust to Premier League intensity. Wirtz struggled in early months on Merseyside, yet recent league games show progress, with decisive contributions, as Liverpool chase a fourth straight victory against Leeds at Anfield on Thursday.

Slot pointed to the physical demands in England, noting how new forwards Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike are still adapting. Against Wolves, Ekitike suffered cramp after around 70 to 75 minutes, while Wirtz was withdrawn because fatigue left Wirtz struggling to maintain running levels rather than any performance issue.

Wirtz went 15 Premier League matches without a goal or assist after joining from Bayer Leverkusen. That

run has ended, as Wirtz has either scored once or provided one assist in each of the last two league fixtures. Wirtz last enjoyed a longer scoring contribution stretch in November and December with Leverkusen, registering six successive Bundesliga matches with goal involvements.

When Slot was asked whether Wirtz has now enjoyed enough time to settle into English football, Slot replied that only the player could truly judge. Slot said, "He's the only one who could answer that question,I can only answer from my experience being an old man, or at least much older than him," stressing how age and experience change the view on adaptation.

Arne Slot press conference: Leeds analysis, Wirtz adaptation, Jones form and more #LIVLEELiverpool FC (@LFC) December 31, 2025

Slot also reflected on personal experience of moving abroad earlier in Slot’s career. Slot explained that the first months in another country can feel disorienting, as everyday life appears turned upside down. Slot does not face physical performance demands as manager, yet Slot understands why some players require extra time to settle off the pitch.

For Slot, the greatest challenge for signings arriving from foreign leagues remains the Premier League schedule and rhythm. Slot highlighted that even with one match each week, the intensity remains high, and that the step up in physical demands underlines how Liverpool’s recent recruits, including Wirtz and Ekitike, are still adjusting to Slot’s style.

The upcoming home match against Leeds follows a period where Liverpool have built positive league momentum. Slot’s side are targeting a fourth consecutive Premier League win, while staff continue monitoring how new players manage the workload. Wirtz’s recent contributions, alongside Ekitike’s minutes, offer signs of progress as Liverpool balance adaptation with results.