The Liverpool goalkeepers are being roughed up in training.
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has been explaining how the side has been ‘roughing up’ goalkeeper Loris Karius to help him adapt to the Premier League, the Liverpool Echo reports.
Goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has been using rugby tackle bags in order to help him get an idea of the physicality of the league, especially when it comes to collecting high balls.
Klopp is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “First, as a ‘keeper you have to learn the technique then you have to adapt to the real circumstances – having six, seven players around you.
“No-one gets out of your way. It is completely the opposite. They want to disturb your way.
“You can’t say no long balls in the box and if there are then immediately whistle. That’s not how it works so we need to prepare the boys and that’s what John is doing.”
It seems to be the same for Simon Mignolet, who has recently been demoted to the bench with Karius returning to fitness. High balls have been troubling for Mignolet since he arrived in 2013 and Karius has certainly had a mixed bag since his move from Mainz in the summer.
Liverpool will hope it leads to both of their goalkeepers being able to command their penalty areas that bit more effectively, and as a result make them less vulnerable from set-pieces; a problem they have had for several years now.
It is clear the Reds have identified issues the goalkeepers both need to work on, and it will probably take time for there to be any real improvement. However, they will hope it helps them become that bit more solid at the back as the season goes on.
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