Klopp makes light of Adrian ‘howler’
LONDON, Aug 18, (RTRS): Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp laughed off stand-in goalkeeper Adrian’s mistake in Saturday’s 2-1 Premier League victory over Southampton, joking that the howler was a “goalie thing” at the Merseyside club.
After forwards Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino put Liverpool 2-0 ahead, new signing Adrian gifted Southampton a lifeline with a poor clearance that rebounded off Danny Ings and into the net.
But Klopp made light of the incident, comparing it to an error by his first-choice goalkeeper Alisson during a win over Leicester City last season.
Asked by reporters if he had spoken to Adrian, Klopp said: “Yes: ‘you finally arrived, welcome.’
“Ali did the same... it’s a goalie thing at Liverpool, no problem with that as long as we win the games. All good.”
Adrian, who was deployed after Allisson suffered a long-term injury against Norwich, had been passed fit for the match after sustaining a freak injury while celebrating their midweek Super Cup victory over Chelsea.
“Adrian had a swollen ankle and we played too many balls back to him in that period. I was happy with everything he did, all the saves, all that stuff,” Klopp added.
“The other players have to then feel more the responsibility for the buildup and cannot give all the balls back to him and hope the painkillers still help.
“I don’t think the goal was because of that, but a few other balls were. He’s completely good with his feet.”
Early pace-setters Liverpool next host Arsenal on Aug 24.