Jürgen Klopp Insists Liverpool Goalkeeping Job up for Grabs

After helping the club to secure a top four finish with strong performances in the second half of the 2016-17 season, the assumption of many was that Simon Mignolet was at least pencilled in as league starter for the coming season.

That if Loris Karius wanted minutes, he would have to impress enough to earn the starting job in Europe, perhaps, but that in the beginning at least, Mignolet would remain first choice in the league. Jürgen Klopp, though, says that isn’t the case.

“Nothing is decided,” insisted the Liverpool manager when he was asked about the goalkeeping situation. “They can all show how good they are. They are at a fantastic club and a fantastic football club needs fantastic goalkeepers.”

It’s not just Mignolet and Karius, either, with Klopp wanting to give Danny Ward a chance to impress and earn a role at the club for the coming season—something that, if it happened, would necessitate a move for one of last season’s top two.

None of which may make the assumptions wrong or misguided, as the season starting with Mignolet in goal in the league at least still seems most likely. Likely, though, isn’t certain, and we may not know for cetain who first choice is until week one.

“It was a little bit difficult for Loris but I’m sure he had his part in the development of Simon, who played a really good season,” added Klopp, reflecting on last season. “And Danny had a fantastic season at Huddersfield with a big success at the end.

“We have three goalkeepers and they can all show what they are able to do, and then we will see who will start.”