Klopp rules out immediate Germany start for Florian Wirtz against Greece

Germany head coach Jurgen Klopp has ruled out an immediate starting role for Florian Wirtz against Greece in the UEFA Nations League, saying it would be "a huge ask" to throw the Liverpool midfielder straight into the side after a late call-up.

Late call-up after injuries

Wirtz was one of two call-ups to replace injured players in Germany's squad. He had initially been named in Klopp's second squad for the extended international break, but following injuries to Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala he was brought into the fold a game earlier than planned.

He arrived at the team's training base on Friday and has only had time for one training session with Germany as they prepare for their next match in Augsburg.

Klopp on Wirtz

It will be Klopp's first home game as Germany's head coach following a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in his opener, but Wirtz will not be starting the match.

"That would really be a huge ask," Klopp replied when asked if Wirtz was an immediate candidate to start. "He found out [Friday] morning, arrived here in the evening, and then we say: now that you're here, go straight in and play. "That would certainly be the worst thing we could do right now."

Wirtz has had a difficult start to this season at Liverpool, coming under criticism for his performances so far, particularly after their 1-0 victory over Bournemouth. He has made six appearances for Liverpool in all competitions this term, registering just one assist, despite creating 12 chances – the third-most of any Reds player.

Klopp, wary of talking about a Liverpool player as the club's former manager, said: "No matter what I would say, whether positive or negative, it would be a huge story in this case. Flo Wirtz's footballing abilities are beyond any doubt. We will work together on making sure he can show them on the pitch again every three days. "We will absolutely try whatever we can contribute towards that. In general, I think he is on a very good path. But the world we live in is basically such that things never happen quickly enough for people."

Goalkeeper change

Klopp's debut as Germany boss did not go exactly to plan, with the Netherlands equalising in the 92nd minute, through his former player Cody Gakpo, to deny him all three points.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen played a huge role in making sure Germany stayed in the game, making nine saves against the Netherlands, who had 22 attempts in total worth 3.2 expected goals.

However, Klopp confirmed he will be making a change to his goalkeeper for the clash with Greece, as Alexander Nubel is set to come in.

"I heard that Marc was viewed critically – that surprised me after a game where the opposing coach said he saved our bacon," Klopp said. "He made some outstanding saves, but twice he played a ball he didn't intend to – it happens. I'm not at all critical about it, but very happy with his performance. "Alex will still get to play, not because of that. He deserves it too. I hope he enjoys it and keeps a clean sheet."