In an interview with Kicker (as captured by @iMiaSanMia), Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz talked through his decision to move to LFC over Bayern Munich.
In his responses, Wirtz details how Arne Slot was the difference maker in the talks:
Did you decide to move abroad because it was more challenging and more attractive for your personal development than a move to FC Bayern?
Florian Wirtz: “I’ve spent my entire life in the Köln region, with my parents and my inner circle. Therefore, it’s
a more difficult step to leave that whole environment and move to another country with all the changes. And to a new league with a different style of play. Therefore, I would definitely say it’s a bigger challenge, one I consciously chose to overcome and become a better player.”
Publicly, it’s said that the coaching talks with Arne Slot and Vincent Kompany were decisive. How did Slot convince you?
Wirtz: “The discussions with Arne were very, very good from the very beginning. He won me over from the very first meeting. He gave me clear ideas and a clear vision of how he could and wanted to use me in his team. This, combined with the structure of the team, really convinced me. He saw me In the number 10 position—where I play best. I was brought in for that position because they trusted me to make the team better. And I’m trying to live up to that as best as I can”
Would that have been different with Jamal Musiala at Bayern?
Wirtz: “You can’t tell. I don’t know exactly how things would have turned out.”
Was the decision between Liverpool and Bayern the most difficult of your life so far?
Wirtz: “I always felt I could do what I wanted to do. And that’s why I didn’t put any pressure on myself to make a quick decision. I’d already thought about both clubs very intensively, and in the end, it wasn’t an easy decision. But I made it with 100% conviction, and I’m happy about it.”
The miss on Wirtz had a big effect on Bayern Munich’s plans for 2025/26. Sent into a scramble, Bayern Munich did well on its acquisitions, but there is still some thought that a long-term plan for this roster is not yet developed. Wirtz’s decision absolutely played a key role in that matter.
Bayern Munich got off to a red-hot start this season and we are thrilled with the early returns. With the end of the transfer window coming up, there is still much to discuss, so let’s not waste any more time. This is what we have on tap for this edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Flagship Show:
- It’s not quite the morning after, but let’s talk about Bayern Munich’s massive 6-0 win over RB Leipzig and what it means.
- Lennart Karl will have a great duo to study — the relentless energy and attacking aggression of Luis Diaz and the brilliant aloofness of Michael Olise.
- Can Serge Gnabry hold down the fort?
- Joshua Kimmich is a constant…and a necessity.
- The backline still needs a big test.
- Bayern Munich could miss out on Nick Woltemade in 2026 as the bidding could open up to other clubs.
- Bayern Munich might have the right approach, but the wrong PR campaign for its approach to finishing the transfer window.
Also, be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast, @TheBarrelBlog, @rayyantwt, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
