Liverpool legend Jurgen Klopp is set to take charge of Germany for the first time this week, though Florian Wirtz will only be involved in the third and fourth games of the window
Germany manager Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to the team's fans
Germany manager Jurgen Klopp has sent a message to the team's fans
Jurgen Klopp is set to take charge of Germany for the first time this week when Die Mannschaft takes on the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
And the Liverpool legend has sent a message to fans around the world ahead of the game, with his first home match set to be next weekend in Augsburg against Kostas Tsimikas and Greece. All the Germany matches in this period are in the Nations League.
"Some of you might know me... some of you won't," Klopp says in a video. "I am the new one. I am the new coach of the German national team and I couldn't be more happy about that.
"I've heard that you support us from everywhere pretty much in the world. Thank you for that. So, warm welcome. Have fun. Maybe we see each other in whichever stadium out there, and I can't wait. Let's go."
Liverpool attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz will only be involved in Germany's second two games of the international break, with Klopp's men set to face Serbia and then Greece again.
Klopp has selected 44 players in total, with half set to play in the first two games and the other half in the second two. That will mean Wirtz getting a rest before he joins up with his international teammates, which should be a boost for Liverpool.
Florian Wirtz has made a slow start to the season
Florian Wirtz has made a slow start to the season(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Last weekend, Jamie Carragher was very critical of Wirtz following his lackluster performance against Bournemouth. He struggled to make an impact and was substituted in the second half.
"That was one of the poorest I’ve ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt," Carragher said on Sky Sports. "I’ve been critical of the fact that he hasn’t got the numbers, but normally when you watch Wirtz, he’s neat and tidy.
"He keeps possession and when you watch him, there’s things that you like. You know, he'll get out of a tight situation where you’re normally expecting your player to lose the ball.
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"But the reason I worry is, I don’t think Florian Wirtz is in poor form since he’s come to Liverpool. I actually think what we’re seeing is what he is.
"I was worried for him probably 12 months ago and maybe that was a little bit early to say that but I didn’t say it. It was just in the back of my head. I don’t see how he’s going to hurt you.
"He’s neat and tidy and in some ways the price tag for that sort of player should be half of what Liverpool paid."
Liverpool.com says: Klopp has a lot of work to do with Germany, but getting the most out of Wirtz will go a long way to restoring the national team. That would make a huge difference for Liverpool too if he can regain some confidence.