The Germany international returned to training last weekend and could make his first pre-season appearance when Liverpool face Leeds United in Chicago on Sunday.

After several days of training, Wirtz said he was pleased to be back with his teammates and has enjoyed working with Iraola and his coaching staff.

"I feel very good and I'm very happy to see all of the boys again and also to meet the new manager and his staff," Wirtz said. "It feels really good."

Although he admitted his summer break was shorter than he would have liked, the 23-year-old said he was eager to get back on the pitch.

"The small break was important to let my body recover a little," he said. "Maybe it could have been a few weeks longer, but that's part of being a professional footballer. I'm happy to be playing football again because that's what I love the most."

Wirtz has been impressed by the early training sessions under Iraola, saying the new manager's approach suits his style of play.

"I can only say the training is really fun," he said. "We've played a lot of games and possession football, and that's exactly what I like. I've enjoyed every session so far."

Iraola has suggested Wirtz could feature in a central attacking role behind the striker this season. While the midfielder admitted that position is his favourite, he said he is ready to play wherever the manager needs him.

"I've always been more of a number 10," Wirtz said. "But I'll play wherever the manager puts me. We've spoken about it, so we'll see what happens this season."

Wirtz also reflected on Liverpool's disappointing 2025-26 campaign, insisting the squad is fully focused on putting things right.

"I wasn't happy with last season," he said. "We all expected much more. This season we start from zero. This training camp is a new beginning and we have a lot of things to do better. I'm very excited for my second season at Liverpool."

The German international will also have a familiar face waiting for him when international football resumes, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp now in charge of Germany.

Wirtz revealed he has not yet spoken to Klopp but is looking forward to working with him.

"It's very cool that he's the Germany coach now," he said. "I haven't spoken to him yet, but so many people at Liverpool have told me what a fantastic person he is. Everyone at the club loves him and I'm excited to meet him in a few months."

Liverpool have already recorded pre-season victories over Sunderland and Wrexham during their tour of the United States. After Sunday's meeting with Leeds United in Chicago, they will return to Anfield to face AS Monaco and Como before opening their Premier League campaign later this month.

Steve Barker in awe of current Stellenbosch squad