Loris Karius: Liverpool goalkeeper receives Simon Mignolet's backing after Champions League final howlers
The performance could well cost Karius his place as Klopp's starting goalkeeper but his rival for the jersey, no stranger to criticism himself, has offered to be there for colleague
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Simon Mignolet has told Loris Karius that he will be there for him if he needs to talk after his rival for Liverpool's No 1 jersey suffered a night to forget in Saturday's Champions League final.
Karius was at fault for two of Real Madrid's goals in their 3-1 victory at the NSC Olimpiyskiy and ended the night in tears, apologising to the travelling Liverpool supporters on the pitch.
The 24-year-old first rolled a pass straight onto to boot of Karim Benzema, who diverted the ball into a gaping goal to give Madrid the lead.
Sadio Mané's equaliser five minutes later seemed to have spared Karius' blushes, but a wonderful overhead strike by substitute Gareth Bale restored Madrid's advantage.
Karius' night only became worse seven minutes from time when he fumbled a speculative effort by Bale from distance, allowing it to pass through his hands and in.
The performance could well cost Karius his place as Klopp's starting goalkeeper but his rival for the No 1 jersey Mignolet, no stranger to criticism himself, has offered to be there for colleague.
“I know how it is. You need a bit of time. The good thing about this final is that he will have the summer to take it and go forward,” the Belgian said.
“If he wants to talk then of course I will be there. I’ve been in this situation before myself and those kind of things you deal with yourself. I’m always there to help every squad member.”
Mignolet also believes the club and the playing squad will do everything in their power to support Karius, who appeared distraught long after the final whistle blew in Kiev.
“We have a dressing room is that very much together and that’s the reason why we got here. Together with the fans, together with the rest of the club. I think we play, not as individuals, but as a team, we play as 11 together. We play as a whole squad.
“Everyone was behind the team from the very first moment, we stepped into the Champions League and I think that will be the same going forward. Liverpool stands for unity, Liverpool stands for all together.
“I think that will not only be the right ideal for Liverpool, it has always been their history and will always be their future.”
Mignolet lost his place to Karius earlier this year due to a long history of high-profile errors and hesitant 'keeping, but he believes his rival has what it takes to bounce back from what is likely to be his career low.
“Every goalkeeper can relate to him,” the Belgian said. “I’ve been in this situation before and every 'keeper has been. It’s very difficult to say something to someone after the game. The only thing I told him is that there is a reason we got to this final, and why we played this final so I said think about that. But of course it is very difficult to say anything to him and to let him grasp it.”
Asked if he believes Karius can return a stronger goalkeeper, he said: “He surely will. He’s only young. I think we have all the tools at Liverpool as well to help him with that. I’m sure he will.”
Read more coverage on the Champions League final:
- Miguel Delaney: The definitive read from an enthralling night
- Jonathan Liew: The emptiness of the biggest stage
- Ed Malyon: Why relentless Real make their own luck
- Mark Critchley: Salah's early exit cripples Liverpool
- Explained: Salah's injury and his chances of playing in Russia
- Man marking: We run the rule over both teams in Kiev
- Transfer talk #1: Ronaldo opens the door to shock exit
- Transfer talk #2: Bale issues come and get me plea
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