Klopp praises attitude of back-up goalkeeper after naming his number one

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We have an answer.

Loris Karius has finally be named as Jurgen Klopp’s first choice goalkeeper after recently replacing Simon Mignolet.

The 23-year-old German is still visibly working to adapt to the physicality of the Premier League and has looked uncertain in the Liverpool goal so far.

He clearly has the full support of his manager though, after he was publicly named as the club’s number one.

During the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s EFL Cup game against Tottenham, Klopp told the Liverpool Echo: “We made a decision and the ranking is Loris in this moment is number one and Simon is number two.”

When discussing Simon Mingolet, he added: “He is a real professional. We had a few talks because it’s not that I had the perfect answer. I can’t say ‘you are bad, he is good, that’s why he’s playing.’ Of course he was not happy about this but he is a very serious person and a good professional.”

“In training he is hard working, improving, all that he has to do and that’s all okay.”

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Klopp also confirmed that Mignolet will return to start Liverpool’s EFL cup tie on Tuesday night.

Competition to be the first-choice goalkeeper is something we have needed for a while now and is something that will hopefully trigger both Karius and Mignolet to improve.

Fans have backed Karius to replace his teammate between the sticks ever since his £4.5m summer move from Mainz, however concerns over his confidence have been quick to arise after some early mistakes.

Nevertheless, we are positive Klopp is the man to help him settle down.

The hard work Mignolet is putting in behind the scenes is a sign of his determination and desire to fight his way back into the first eleven and prove he can be trusted.

The rivalry between the two is healthy and will be benefit both men in the long term.

More Stories Jürgen Klopp Liverpool Loris Karius Mainz Simon Mignolet