Many managers would take Karius out of the firing line but Klopp is likely to keep the faith.
Former German international goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has urged Jurgen Klopp not to drop struggling compatriot Loris Karius, talkSPORT reports.
The young shot-stopper has been subjected to a barrage of criticism in recent weeks after a number of errors cost his side dear, particularly a last minute spill against Bournemouth which gifted Nathan Ake the winner and a weak-wristed attempt to block Dimitri Payet’s saveable free-kick in the 2-2 draw with West Ham on Sunday.
However, for all those condemning Liverpool’s inability to find an upgrade on the similarly shaky Simon Mignolet, many observers have insisted that the Anfield club must give Karius time to grow in English football, citing David De Gea’s error-strewn start to life with Manchester United.
And Lehmann, whose leadership and experience proved invaluable to Arsenal between 2003 and 2008, says the former Mainz ‘keeper has the potential to develop into a top goalkeeper if given the opportunity by Klopp.
“Technically he is not yet perfect but who is at that age? It is about development and Jurgen Klopp knows what he is doing,” the 47-year-old told talkSPORT.
“Of course, he has to back him now because if he drops him or if he doesn’t back him it will have a major impact on Karius’ self-confidence.
“I was ten years older [than Karius] when I came to England but I know the change of system to play in the Premier League from the Bundesliga is massive and, for a young guy who didn’t even make it to the top in the Bundesliga, it is really hard because you need to find yourself as a goalkeeper.
“He is a fantastic prospect. Jurgen Klopp probably has bought him for the future, not for an immediate impact.”
Nonetheless, Karius cannot afford any more point-losing saves in crucial upcoming matches against local rivals Everton and title challengers Manchester City in the final few weeks of 2016, with Liverpool already falling behind the chasing pack.
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