​German national team boss Jürgen Klopp has backed Florian Wirtz after recent criticism from Toni Kroos -Credit:HANNES P. ALBERT, AFP via Getty ImagesJürgen Klopp has called for the pressure on Florian Wirtz to be eased as he discussed his initial conversations with the Liverpool playmaker following his appointment as Germany head coach.Wirtz has encountered criticism for his displays at both club and international level since completing a £116 million ($156.3 million) transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to the Reds in summer 2025, with scrutiny in his homeland intensifying after Germany’s disappointing 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.Germany legend Toni Kroos delivered a sarcastic jab at the playmaker on his ‘Einfach Mal Luppen’ podcast earlier this week – one he hosts with his brother, Felix.’I managed Wrexham – this is exactly what Rob and Ryan need to do with Phil Parkinson’USMNT boss Mauricio Pochettino on dropping Christian Pulisic and selecting ‘special’ Cavan Sullivan -Credit:James Gill – Danehouse, Getty ImagesThe duo were asked to identify three players they wanted included in Klopp’s inaugural Germany squad who had not represented their nation at the World Cup. And the former Real Madrid midfielder mockingly selected Wirtz as one of his three picks as he targeted the midfielder’s World Cup performances, via the Liverpool Echo.”(Aleksandr) Pavlovic, (Florian) Wirtz, and (Jamal) Musiala,” he responded, with his brother apparently initially failing to grasp the joke before interjecting: “What? Which World Cup did you guys miss? Oh, (you say that) because they went unnoticed (and it’s as if they weren’t there)?”Wirtz registered three assists at the World Cup and featured in all four of his country’s matches as Germany endured a round-of-32 elimination on penalties against Paraguay.Meanwhile, after recording seven goals and eight assists across 49 appearances during his debut season on Merseyside, he has registered another assist in his five matches so far this campaign.Fully cognizant of the criticism the midfielder has endured over the past year, Klopp was swift to support Wirtz after naming the 23-year-old in the second of two rosters for Germany’s forthcoming four UEFA Nations League matches in the extended September/October international window.To listen to the latest episode of ‘All Out Soccer’ – CLICK HERE”The communication has been very pleasant,” he said. “We keep in touch from time to time. “I think he’s the player who covered the most ground at Liverpool this season, so the willingness is absolutely there.”We have to move away from the idea that we need to see special moments from him. He is there to help us as a team. We have to make sure that Flo feels comfortable with us.”When the team works, then every player shines as a consequence. You have to be satisfied with a game in which Flo Wirtz gave everything but didn’t have a goal or assist.”We simply have to give the boy the feeling: ‘That was more than good enough today. You help