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Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has declared he will 'show no leniency' towards Liverpool star Florian Wirtz and won't rest him during the international break. This statement arrives just days after Arne Slot was compelled to downplay an injury concern for the Reds' new signing.
Since his $156 million transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz has featured in all four of Liverpool's competitive fixtures to date. He was withdrawn in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace as well as the opening two Premier League encounters versus Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
The 22-year-old appeared poised to complete his maiden full 90 minutes during the 1-0 home victory over Arsenal, yet had to be taken off in the 89th minute as he hobbled away with assistance from the club's medical staff.
Subsequently, head coach Slot explained: "It wasn't an injury. It was a welcome to the Premier League. It was after 85 minutes I don't think he knew he could have cramp in so many different places. That's what happened.
"That is welcome to the Premier League, welcome to this intensity against an Arsenal side who can play very intense as well."
Wirtz has now linked up with the German national squad for the September international window and, despite his demanding introduction to life at his new club, his boss Nagelsmann intends to utilize his key player to the maximum.
"I will show no leniency. He is one of our most important players – he should perform, and he will," the Germany boss said at his press conference ahead of the FIFA World Cup qualifier against Slovakia.
Thus far Wirtz has registered just one goal contribution across his four Liverpool outings - providing an assist during the Community Shield.
This prompted Nagelsmann to add: "I didn't find his performances in Liverpool incredibly dominant, but not so negative either. It's normal that you need a bit of time at a new club.
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"New culture, new league, new stadium – that's completely normal."
The 38 year old concluded with the prediction: "He will have great games, score great goals, and set up great goals [for Liverpool]."
All Slot can hope is that his summer signing returns with a clean bill of health.
Wirtz and Germany have a second World Cup qualifier against Northern Ireland scheduled for Sunday, September 7.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking here.
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