Former Liverpool goalie Loris Karius makes Jurgen Klopp admission

Liverpool’s chase for a sixth European title could have possibly ended a year before it actually did. The Reds lost 3-1 to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League Final in 2018 in Kyiv. The match is mainly known for two things: Cristiano Ronaldo’s last game for Los Blancos and Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius.

The German international kept six clean sheets for the Reds in that tournament until the final. But after those 90 minutes, Karius’ career in Red saw a huge downfall. Two huge mistakes on such a big stage, both leading to goals meant that Karius never played another competitive game for the Reds in the four years he spent at the club after that UCL final.

Liverpool sorted a loan move for him to Beşiktaş and Union Berlin after the final, both of which he duly completed but after his return to Merseyside in July 2021, he stood unincluded in any of the Reds’ matchday squads as well—eventually moving out after his contract ended in June 2022.

Speaking to ESPN and other media outlets via Liverpool Echo, here is what Karius told about the situation and his bond with Jurgen Klopp:

“My time at Liverpool was over and I was looking to move on [in 2021], but then there was difficulties to get a transfer done,”

“I found myself in a situation where I had to stay at Liverpool, knowing I wouldn’t get my chance.

“It was discussed openly with the manager. There’s no bad blood, but knowing the situation from the beginning was tough. Last season, being left out of the matchday squad, you lose a bit of the feeling you have when you win, lose and travel with the team.

Currently plying his trade at Newcastle United as a backup for Nick Pope, Karius said he does not have any “bad blood” for the Liverpool manager. The Reds eventually signed Alisson a few months after the 2018 UCL Final for a world-record fee, and are reaping the benefits to this date.

Karius moves on from THAT mistake

Liverpool fans are mature enough to understand that sometimes, mistakes happen, and that final was a similar case as well. The pressure is too much to handle for the most seasoned of players, and at that point, Karius was barely that too. Moreover, the fact that Karius suffered from a concussion in the same final from Sergio Ramos’ shoulder also means that there was barely anything the German could have done himself.

The Reds have also moved on since that final, and the goalkeeper position is one of the least worrisome aspects of the Reds’ game plans now. A World-Class keeper in Alisson and young star Caoimhin Kelleher acts as the Brazilian’s backup.

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While his mistakes at Liverpool will always be remembered, Karius has shown that he is a talented and dedicated player who is capable of moving on from those mistakes and continuing to improve as a professional athlete and hopefully, his time at Newcastle is something exciting for the player.