Karius came in for some criticism for his role in Liverpool’s 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth.
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has backed the club’s current number one Loris Karius after the German’s role in Liverpool’s 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend, ITV Sport reports.
Karius has come in for a lot of criticism for his role in the defeat at Dean Court which saw the Reds surrender a 3-1 lead late on in the game to come away empty handed.
Liverpool’s Loris Karius warms up
There have been plenty of high profile critics of the 23-year-old following the display with some even going as far to suggest that a new goalkeeper is needed despite Karius only signing from Mainz in the summer – and playing just a handful of games.
Reina is quoted by ITV Sport, saying: “I think he doesn’t need any encouragement. I think he’s a brilliant goalkeeper who is doing really well.
“It’s a team, you know, that also at times has to do better for the goalkeeper.”
Spain’s Pepe Reina warms up
Reina, now at Napoli, also had his fair share of mishaps at Liverpool but it’s fair to say that mishaps from goalkeepers are scrutinised far more than any other as they seldom get the opportunity to atone for their errors.
It’s hard to say just how costly Karius’s error was for Nathan Ake’s winner at the weekend in the context of the season, and only time will tell.
But if Reina is anyone to go by, then even very good goalkeepers are going to make mistakes. The Spaniard was the Reds’ first choice for eight years under four different managers – and perhaps seen as the most reliable man between the posts in the Premier League era for the Reds. Maybe it’s a case of giving the German time, and things will improve as a defensive unit, even if there are bumps along the road.
Liverpool’s Loris Karius warms up
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