Liverpool: Jurgen Klopp hints that Loris Karius will replace Simon Mignolet as first-choice goalkeeper
The summer signing from Mainz looks set to retain a starting spot for Saturday's home game against Hull
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Jürgen Klopp has given the strongest suggestion yet that Loris Karius will replace Simon Mignolet as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Karius, 23, is set to start against Hull City on Saturday having kept a clean sheet on his competitive debut in Tuesday night’s 3-0 EFL Cup win over Derby County.
The summer signing from Mainz could have started the season as the club’s number one had he not broken his arm during a pre-season tour of the United States.
Klopp, who has persisted with Mignolet despite Karius’ recovery from the injury, has now suggested that he could give the young ‘keeper a prolonged chance to impress.
“Let's go through a few different kinds of ways in which we could see it,” he said during his pre-match press conference on Thursday.
“Do we say, 'Okay, Loris had the game against Derby. Was it a real game for a keeper? Not really. So give him a home game' for example.
“We could say, 'There is an international break coming up, so give Loris a home game and Swansea away' and then both have had the chance to show what they are.
“It's not in doubt, it's not a test.
"I accept again the circumstances over the keeper's position. But in the end it's 100% positive — Liverpool FC will have a very strong goalkeeper on Saturday between the posts.”
Karius’ promotion to the starting line-up would see Mignolet drop to the bench, despite a largely error-free start to the season.
The Belgium international’s place has been a point of contention among supporters for the past few seasons following several costly mistakes.
Brendan Rodgers, the former Liverpool manager, dropped Mignolet from his starting line-up in December 2014, only to reinstate him later that month.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments