Karius is No.1 for keeps in a Klopp gamble

JURGEN KLOPP was asked the question: “Is this the end for Simon Mignolet?”

The answer was disingenuous. “Nobody knows the future, or at least I don’t,” replied the German.

In this case, though, he almost certainly does, because, in selecting Loris Karius to play in the Champions League, his message to the now firmly reserve keeper is clear.

It is a bold decision from the Liverpool boss – because it leaves him no way back.

Earlier in the season, Mignolet was first choice, but Karius was given the European games to stay sharp. Now, with the league situation reversed, the Belgian has no route to redemption.

It means Klopp has decided to go all-in on his German keeper, even if there are further jittery moments ahead.

Mignolet (above) will leave in the summer and Karius will have three months to prove he is the long-term solution as Anfield No.1.

To place so much faith in a young keeper, especially one who has shown frailty, leaves little space for error.

Either Karius grows up in this heady environment – or Liverpool go trophyless.

Yet, if it is brave from Klopp, then it is also a sensible, necessary decision.

Neither keeper was well served by the doubt the previous situation inspired.

How will Karius ever learn if he is up to the pressure of occasions like this, with a hostile crowd, appalling wet conditions and the intense scrutiny that comes with the Liverpool territory?

When the mistakes arrive, there will be another inevitability – that Klopp will be told HE made a mistake in putting such faith in Karius. There will be calls for a new keeper. Again.

But the manager explained that, by selecting the German for this game, he was doing the right thing for the club in the long term.