LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, January 14, 2018: Liverpool's goalkeeper Loris Karius during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Jurgen Klopp confirms Loris Karius is now Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper

After handing Loris Karius a surprise start in Liverpool’s 4-3 win over Man City, Jurgen Klopp has confirmed he is now first-choice goalkeeper.

Karius was preferred to Simon Mignolet between the sticks on Sunday, having also started in the 2-1 victory at home to Everton in the FA Cup last time out.

The 24-year-old produced a mixed display at Anfield, having been beating at his near post for Leroy Sane’s equaliser to make it 1-1 but otherwise operating as a solid, front-footed stopper.

And it was clearly enough to convince Klopp he has made the right choice in redefining the pecking order at the back.

Speaking to German outlet DAZN DE after the win, the Liverpool manager confirmed Karius has now moved ahead of Mignolet in his reckoning and he won’t be rotating his keepers any longer.

“He’s the number one, he might make mistakes but this is life,” said Klopp.

“We will not make any changes,” he added – although it’s unclear if that means Karius No.1 for league and Champions League.

“When it comes to goalkeepers you have to make a decision and stick with it. He will stay in goal.

Asked about the conceding of the first goal against City, with Leroy Sane firing past the stopper at his near post, Klopp joked that “People will always find hairs in soup.”

Karius joined the Reds from Klopp’s old side Mainz 05 in 2016, but has made just 27 appearances for the club so far, struggling to establish himself.

He has been given a handful of opportunities in recent weeks as Klopp shuffled his pack during the congested festive run, however.

With that period over, and Liverpool back to playing twice a week at most, Karius will now take over duties as first choice.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Klopp does not intend to sign a new goalkeeper this month but Stoke’s Jack Butland and Roma’s Alisson are believed to be targets for the summer.

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