Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp: "Outstanding" Loris Karius still has a role to play

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 23 July 2018

Klopp: 'Karius still has a role to play'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists that Loris Karius still has a role to play at the club despite the world-record arrival of goalkeeper Alisson Becker.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has insisted that Loris Karius still has a role to play at the club next season, despite the arrival of Alisson Becker from Roma.

Alisson completed his £67m move to Anfield last week to become the most expensive goalkeeper of all time, leading to speculation over the future of Karius following a string of recent errors.

Klopp confirmed that Alisson will be the club's first-choice goalkeeper for the upcoming campaign, but he also stressed the importance of Karius continuing to provide competition for the Brazilian.

"Obviously Alisson is a world-class goalkeeper, so we're not going to say 'let's have a look'. He will play, of course. He is the number one for Brazil and then there is the fee. When Alisson is ready, he will be in our goal," Klopp told reporters.

"We all need to help him so he can perform as good as possible. That is maybe the only difference. But for that to happen we need a strong squad around him and Loris is an outstanding goalkeeper. That's the truth. Nothing else.

"My job, together with Michael Edwards and Mike Gordon, is to bring the best players who are available for Liverpool - if they fit in. That's what we have tried to do. Then my job is to work with these boys and give them this kind of shape that they can really work together in the best possible way."

Alisson is currently on an extended break following his World Cup exploits, but is expected to join up with his new teammates when they return from their pre-season tour of the United States.