Klopp: I had no words for Karius after Champions League final

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Jurgen Klopp admits he could not pull together the right words to say to a distraught Loris Karius after Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat.

The German goalkeeper was left dejected at full-time after being at fault for two of Real Madrid’s goals in the 3-1 loss in Kiev.

Karius’ night began its downfall when he threw the ball into Karim Benzema before seeing the consequent rebound roll into his empty net.

It went from bad to worse for the Liverpool man when he allowed Gareth Bale’s long-range effort to slip through his fingers, not long after the Welshman had restored Madrid’s lead with a stunning overhead kick.

A hurting Karius cut a lonely figure upon the final whistle and was quick to hold his hands up in a tearful apology to travelling Reds.

“I am a strong supporter of the idea of just shutting up if you don’t have the right words,” Klopp told Sport1.

“And other than a few comforting words I did not have the right words. I did not have a clue what you could say.”

“Neither was I angry at him nor was I disappointed in him or something else. I only saw his situation, and everyone would love to have the right words.”

It was revealed a few weeks after the final that Karius has been suffering from concussion during the game after colliding with Sergio Ramos’ elbow.

Loris Karius – image by Liverpoolfc.com

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Liverpool’s hopes of rehabilitating Karius this summer looked in vain as the 25-year-old endured a nervy pre-season, including a free kick fumble to give away an easy tap-in during the win over Tranmere.

His European nightmare has unsurprisingly had a damaging impact on his confidence, making for a difficult effort to get his career back on track.

The club’s signing of Alisson from Roma plunged his Anfield future further into doubt as Klopp immediately recognised the Brazilian as his new no.1

Karius now looks set to join Turkish side Besiktas on a two-year loan deal in a wise decision to try and rediscover his form away from the spotlight of English football.

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