Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has reiterated that Loris Karius is his first-choice goalkeeper, a decision that has left Simon Mignolet unhappy.
The German shot-stopper was signed by the Reds this past summer, and after recovering from injury has taken his place between the posts to start the last five games.
Despite receiving criticism from some supporters after the West Bromwich Albion game at the weekend, Kloop has stood by him by insisting that he remains his number one goalkeeper, even though Mignolet will replace him for the EFL Cup clash with Tottenham on Tuesday night.
Klopp also revealed that Mignolet isn’t particularly happy with the situation of being considered a back-up option, but he’s received praise from his manager for continuing to train hard and push to displace his rival.
“In this moment we have a No 1 and that is Loris Karius,” Klopp said at his pre-match press conference, as reported by Sky Sports. “That’s the situation. I cannot leave them in doubt.
“After the last international break I spoke to both of them and we made this decision. That’s the ranking. Loris No 1, Simon No 2.
“[Mignolet] is a very serious player, a good professional. He’s still not happy but you cannot see it in training. He is hard working and improving.”
Klopp reiterated his desire to win the EFL Cup after falling agonisingly short last season, and hinted at making changes to rotate his squad and keep his players fresh.
The Merseysiders sit joint top of the Premier League table after nine games, and whether it’s Karius or Mignolet in goal, they’ll hope to continue to make progress and establish themselves as genuine title contenders in the months ahead.