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Klopp’s unorthodox approach to settling on Liverpool’s number one has had plenty of people scratching their heads this season. He trusted Simon Mignolet in the league and put Loris Karius in charge of the Champions League and the cups. This was to give both players the opportunity to prove their abilities. It seemed a reasonable idea in theory when a manager has two viable options for one position but no real standout. However, in practice, it’s lead to a lack of stability in the back and a constant focus Klopp’s ultimate decision.
Simon Mignolet was the first to air his frustration, admitting that he’s questioning his future with the club as a result. Now Karius, the player that Klopp has chosen going forward, also opened up about his struggles.
“I don’t want to call it being number 1A or number 1B but the situation wasn’t satisfying for me,” he said. ”Of course, I wanted to play every week. That’s my aspiration, but I knew that I’d get a new chance. Now I want to take this chance.”
Somewhere in the multiverse they are living out the timeline where Karius didn’t break his hand in the pre-season after arriving at the club. It was clear when Liverpool acquired him from Mainz that Klopp believed he would take over the number one spot. Then the injury happened and those plans got waylaid for the last 18 months.
Still, Karius believes that despite the situation, Klopp’s confidence in him hasn’t wavered.
“Before the summer break, I talked to him and he explained his perspective,” he revealed. I know that Klopp was always convinced of my skills. I always felt his trust, I never felt uneasy. I hold him in high regard as trainer and a person. You can always talk to him. He motivates us, especially in difficult situations and he helps me to get better every day.”
Karius began this new era at the club with a victory against Manchester City, though the three goals City scored, two at the end of the match, won’t do his reputation any favors. He’ll have another opportunity on Monday night when Liverpool take on bottom-dwellers Swansea City in the league.