The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Karius may find staying at Liverpool ‘difficult’
Peter Shilton says club will now be looking for a world-class keeper
Loris Karius could find it hard to stay at Liverpool following his Champions League final blunders, according to former England number one Peter Shilton.
Karius made two second-half howlers in Kiev to effectively hand Real Madrid a third successive Champions League trophy.
The 24-year-old, inconsolable at the final whistle, has apologised to fans, while Merseyside Police are investigating “threats” made on social media to the German.
“If he does stay at Liverpool I hope the fans give him a chance,” Shilton said.
“They’re the sort of fans that would do that, but I think it will be very difficult for him to stay at Liverpool.”
Karius’ first gaffe saw him throw the ball straight at Karim Benzema, who stuck out a leg to divert it into an empty net and give Real the lead early in the second half.
Liverpool drew level through Sadio Mane four minutes later but, after Real had regained the lead through Gareth Bale’s stunning overhead kick, Karius let the Welshman’s speculative long-range shot slip through his hands for the Spanish club’s third goal.
“I feel for him,” Shilton said. “It was two horrendous mistakes in one of the biggest games in history – certainly for Liverpool anyway, who haven’t been to a Champions League final for years.
“From his point of view, he’ s apologised for it, he can’t do any more than that.
“But what was going through his mind at the time?”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has backed Karius, who has also received support from his team-mates, but Shilton feels the club will now begin the search for a new goalkeeper.
“I think the manager will have to look to get a world-class goalkeeper,” Shilton added.
“He will have to buy him. Liverpool have struggled in the past two or three seasons with goalkeepers.
“Karius got in and was very consistent towards the end. We all thought Liverpool had finally solved their goalkeeping problem. But of course, it’s there again now.”
Liverpool have agreed a deal to sign Monaco midfielder Fabinho, 24, for
e50 million (£43.7m). The Brazilian, who will sign on July 1, will cost e45m, plus a further e5m in add-ons.
Fabinho has made more than 200 appearances for the French club in all competitions and played a key role in their triumphant 2016-17 Ligue 1 campaign.