Iraola launches Wirtz defence after stinging Carragher criticism

Andoni Iraola has praised Florian Wirtz for his second-half turnaround which helped Liverpool beat Bournemouth 1-0. The Reds claimed all three points at the Vitality Stadium, with Alexander Isak scoring the decisive goal.

But it wasn't going Liverpool's way in the first half, with Wirtz in particular struggling to have a positive impact on the game. That was when Jamie Carragher singled out the £116million signing, saying: "Wirtz has been really poor again. It's just nothing. Nothing is happening there at all.

"In the main, people have been understanding of his situation. He's new to the league and Liverpool were poor last season. When you come for that price tag, people want goals and assists."

In the second period, the 23-year-old was more lively and played a part in Isak's goal, drawing James Hill out to give his team-mate space to finish. But when Wirtz was subbed off in the 73rd minute, Carragher brutally said that he could have 'no complaints'.

FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

Get our comprehensive football coverage, with news, updates, opinions, analysis and everything that matters to you, straight to your inbox.

To get it, it's a quick and easy one-two:

1. Head THIS WAY

Iraola, though, believes that the German ultimately helped Liverpool win the match, telling Sky Sports: "He started the game slowly, I agree. The first minute they went quite intense and we were not quite with us.

"The duels in the middle. After that first phase, I think we improved. Florian has helped us also to improve.

"Second half he was playing much better, he was finding better spots to receive and turn. Probably we haven't found the last part or moment to score but I think I'm much more happy with his second half than his first one."

Should Andoni Iraola drop Florian Wirtz? Have your say in the comments section.

Iraola added: "I'm obviously happy with the result. I know it's a difficult place to come, very difficult place to get three points.

"We could see in the game, at the beginning in the first 20 minutes, we weren't at the level at the game, and it has cost us until afterwards, where we finished the first half better.

"The second half we played better. But that beginning of the game kind of - not surprised us because we knew where we were coming to - but it was difficult for us.

"We could see a bit later when Bournemouth started to get tired that in the second half we controlled the game much better. We even had chances to finish but didn't score the second one. But that first part of the game, we were not winning duels, second balls and when they play with this intensity, you have to be at their level."