Jurgen Klopp has expressed his disappointment that Wales did not consult him about Ben Woodburn’s senior call-up.
Liverpool’s youngest-ever goal scorer was a surprise inclusion in his country’s 23-man squad for Friday’s World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
Woodburn is one of two Reds players selected by Chris Coleman, with winger Harry Wilson drafted in for the injured Tom Lawrence on Monday.
But Klopp admits that he was surprised that the Wales coach did not consult him about the 17-year-old’s maiden inclusion on his country’s front line.
He said: “Actually, I was surprised about this. I don’t know exactly how it’s normal here.
“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.
“I’m not sure if he knows him well. He didn’t play in the team so far for Coleman I think. But no call.”
The Liverpool manager also revealed that he would have preferred that Woodburn continued his development away from the inevitable fanfare around him.
“If he stopped learning now, that would make no sense at 17,” added Klopp.
“I’m not in doubt about this. We didn’t hide him, we used him all the time. He’s a fixed part of our training. He can deal with the nomination for Wales 100%.
“It’s a little bit like my situation. As long as you give me the time, as long as we give him the time, everything will be good.
“He has to learn, he has to develop, he has to improve, all of this. That’s why I said there are now two managers responsible for him.
“Until now, it was only my job.”