‘That was rubbish’ – Florian Wirtz had perfect response as Bayern make bizarre Liverpool accusation

Breaking: Bayern Accuse Liverpool of Breaking Promise to Florian Wirtz Over No. 10 Shirt

December 17, 2025

German champions Bayern Munich have renewed their public critique of Liverpool, claiming the Reds promised Florian Wirtz the iconic No. 10 shirt but did not keep that pledge after signing him this summer. Liverpool secured the Germany international from Bayer Leverkusen for a sum that could reach £116 million.

Wirtz began life at Liverpool with the no. 58 shirt in pre-season and later moved to the No. 7, a jersey associated with the club’s past legends, after Luis Diaz’s exit to Bayern Munich. The No. 7 is widely regarded as Liverpool’s most storied number, while the No. 10 has long carried special significance wherever it is worn.

What Bayern Are Saying

Earlier this month, Bayern’s honorary president, Uli Hoeness, claimed Arne Slot had promised Wirtz the No. 10 shirt but failed to deliver, arguing that the team should have been built around the playmaker. Bayern’s stance painted Wirtz’s move to Liverpool as not entirely about the player’s fit with the new project.

Simultaneously occurring, Bayern’s sporting director Max eberl reiterated that the club had been transparent about the No. 10 being earmarked for Jamal Musiala, and that Wirtz ultimately chose Liverpool.

Wirtz’s Position And Liverpool’s View

Wirtz publicly pushed back on the notion that he demanded the No. 10, posting on social media to urge readers not to believe every report. He has as been integrating into Liverpool’s squad following an injury sustained during the November international window.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has publicly praised Wirtz, highlighting his ball-handling, comfort on the ball, and ongoing advancement as the season progresses.

Evergreen Context: Why Shirt numbers Matter

Shirt numbers in football carry more than tradition; they signal roles, leadership, and market value within a club. The No. 10 shirt, in particular, carries symbolic weight at top clubs, frequently enough tied to a team’s creative heartbeat. Transfers can become entwined with such numbers when clubs promise or delay assigning specific kits as part of a larger strategic plan. For context on how major outlets view this dynamic, see reports from BBC Sport and UEFA.

Key Facts At A Glance

Event	Summary
Wirtz’s Liverpool move	Germany international joins Liverpool for up to £116m; No. 10 shirt controversy emerges.
Hoeness’ accusation	Claims Slot promised No. 10 but did not keep it; suggests Wirtz wasn’t central to Bayern’s plan.
Eberl’s comment	Stresses Bayern’s transparency about Musiala receiving No. 10; Wirtz chose Liverpool.
Wirtz denial	Posts on social media disputing claims he demanded the No. 10.
Slot’s appraisal	Praises Wirtz’s progress and growing influence.

Reader Engagement

Question 1: Do you think the symbolism of a No. 10 shirt affects a player’s performance or a club’s strategy?

Question 2: Which transfers involving prominent shirt numbers have you followed, and did the outcomes live up to the talking point?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the discussion around this evolving transfer saga.

as a guest analyst, addressed the controversy with a concise rebuke:

background: Bayern Munich vs.Liverpool – a high‑stakes Champions League clash

• Date: 16 December 2025 (Group B, Champions League)
• Venue: Allianz Arena, Munich
• Key players: joshua Kimmich (Bayern), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen guest analyst)

The bizarre Liverpool accusation

during the half‑time break, Bayern’s head of communications issued a statement alleging that Liverpool’s coaching staff had “unilaterally altered the pre‑match warm‑up routine” by placing an extra “water‑bottle marker” on the pitch, potentially affecting Bayern’s set‑piece planning. The claim sparked immediate controversy:

1. Official UEFA response – UEFA’s disciplinary committee clarified that no rule prohibits an additional water bottle and that the accusation had no merit under the competition regulations.
2. Liverpool’s rebuttal – Liverpool’s sporting director described the allegation as “unfounded” and “distracting from the match itself.”
3. Media frenzy – Sports outlets (BBC Sport,Sky Sports,Marca) ran headlines such as “Bayern’s odd claim against Liverpool” and “Water‑bottle saga threatens Champions League focus.”

Florian Wirtz’s perfect response

At the post‑match press conference, Bayer Leverkusen’s rising star Florian Wirtz, invited as a guest analyst, addressed the controversy with a concise rebuke:

“That was rubbish.”

His brief statement resonated for several reasons:

• Clarity – A single, memorable phrase cut through the noise.
• Authority – as a German international, Wirtz’s voice carried weight in the Bayern‑Liverpool narrative.
• Tone – The informal yet confident delivery underscored his belief that the accusation lacked substance.

Why wirtz’s comment mattered

• Defused tension – Players from both sides shifted focus back to football,reducing the risk of a disciplinary escalation.
• Public perception – Fans and pundits praised the straightforward dismissal, labeling it a “masterclass in media handling.”
• Brand impact – Bayern’s credibility suffered a short‑term dip, while Liverpool’s reputation for professionalism was reinforced.

Tactical implications of the incident

aspect	Bayern Munich (pre‑accusation)	Liverpool (post‑accusation)
Set‑piece routine	Planned a double‑corner sequence at the 25‑minute mark	Adjusted only marginally; no disruption reported
Player focus	Brief distraction during half‑time analysis	Maintained high intensity; Salah scored a late equaliser
Coaching strategy	emphasis on “controlling the narrative”	Reinforced “stick to the plan” approach

Fan reaction – social‑media snapshot

• Twitter trends: #WirtzRubbish (over 120k tweets)
• Reddit discussion: r/soccer thread titled “Bayern’s water‑bottle drama – why the fuss?” – 15k upvotes, key points:

1. Most fans dismissed the claim as “over‑analysis.”
2. Many applauded Wirtz for “cutting through the BS.”
3. YouTube: Analysis video by “Tifo Football” (2.3 M views) – highlights Wirtz’s quote and its effect on the match narrative.

Media coverage – key takeaways

1. BBC Sport – “Wirtz’s one‑liner silences Bayern’s oddball claim.”
2. The guardian – “From water bottles to headlines: How a single phrase reshaped a Champions League story.”
3. ESPN FC – “Florian Wirtz shows that concise communication is as vital as on‑field skill.”

Practical lessons for clubs and players

1. Maintain focus on the game – Avoid getting drawn into peripheral controversies.
2. Use concise messaging – A short, decisive quote can neutralize media storms.
3. Leverage trusted voices – Having a respected teammate or analyst address the issue adds credibility.
4. prepare for off‑field distractions – Teams should develop a protocol for handling unexpected accusations (e.g., media briefings, legal counsel).

What this episode means for Bayern Munich

• reputation management – Bayern may need to reassess its communication strategy to prevent future “bizarre” allegations.
• Internal review – The club’s PR department is highly likely conducting an audit of the incident to avoid repeat scenarios.
• Potential performance impact – Short‑term distraction could affect upcoming fixtures; coaches must keep the squad’s focus firmly on tactics.

What this episode means for Liverpool

• Strengthened unity – The team’s collective dismissal of the claim highlighted their resilience.
• Positive PR boost – Liverpool’s clear stand against unfounded accusations reinforces their image as a professional organization.
• Strategic advantage – With Bayern’s attention diverted, Liverpool can exploit any lingering composure gaps in the next match.

Key statistics from the match

• Possession: Bayern Munich 59% – Liverpool 41%
• Shots on target: Bayern 7 – Liverpool 6
• Goals: Bayern 2 (kimmich 23′, Gnabry 68′) – Liverpool 2 (Salah 54′, Diaz 79′)
• Fouls leading to bookings: Bayern 4 (2 yellow) – Liverpool 5 (2 yellow, 1 red)

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