Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp is “surprised” that Wales coach Chris Coleman did not consult him over the call-up of 17-year-old striker Ben Woodburn, suggesting both managers are equally responsible for the teenager’s development. Woodburn, who has previously represented Wales at youth level, was promoted to the senior squad by Coleman ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Ireland on Friday. Klopp believes Woodburn’s selection has come too early with the player only making his first start for Liverpool in January.
“Actually, I was surprised about this. I don’t know exactly how it’s normal here,” the German told British media. “This should not be a criticism, but usually when you call up a player, a 17-year-old player, I thought it would be possible to call me. “He has to learn, he has to develop, he has to improve, all of this… there are now two managers responsible for him.”
Coleman, whose Welsh side are currently third in Group D of the UEFA zone qualifying stage, said Woodburn was ready to take a step forward in his international career.”If I thought it was too early for him I wouldn’t have called him up, because this game is massive for us,” Coleman told the reporters.
“I am thinking about what is the best squad to get together to meet this next challenge. And Ben has done enough.” The winners of the nine European groups will progress to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, while the eight best runners-up enter a regional playoff round to compete for UEFA’s remaining four places.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp seems rather curious to know why Wales manager Chris Coleman has decided to call up 17-year old Ben Woodburn to the Wales senior squad for their World cup qualifier against rivals Republic of Ireland.
Despite having only made seven senior appearances for the Reds and four appearances for Wales U19s, Woodburn could make his full international debut against Republic of Ireland in Dublin next Friday in what is expected to be a feisty encounter. Klopp believes that the youngster can handle the scrutiny he may face but fears that the call up to the senior setup maybe a step up too soon and may harm the young attacker’s development as he expects Chris Coleman to take care of Liverpool’s youngest ever goalscorer.
“Ben is happy about it so I am happy about it. Do I think it should be now? I would say probably not,” Klopp said, as reported by the Liverpool Echo. “But is it a problem? No, it’s okay. We can’t stop the stories. Ben is a wonderful kid and can deal with it 100%. He understands it all and know what he has to learn.
