Loris Karius arrived at Liverpool from Mainz during the summer transfer window fully expecting to be Jurgen Klopp’s first choice goalkeeper. Karius wouldn’t have left Germany to be a full time back-up, so he expected to be edging Simon Mignolet aside.
Soon, Karius injured his hand, a situation which led to surgery for the player, but Klopp showed big faith and upon the player’s return he was quickly in the first team with Mignolet dropping out.
Speaking to German magazine Kicker, Karius was asked if he’d expected Klopp to show faith so soon after his injury: “I tried to keep my head cool and get fit quickly. It worked fine for me when I returned, so I did not put myself under pressure, but just trained well. I’m glad the coach has decided so (to change goalkeepers), because a goalkeeper change, he must also be able to explain.”
Mignolet vowed to fight for his place, but in October Klopp made it very clear he sees Karius as his first choice and will stand by his compatriot regardless of him making the odd mistake, and occasionally looking shaky.
That confidence from his manager can only help Karius grow into the goalkeeper Klopp clearly thinks he is.
