Klopp says Liverpool new boy ‘has to improve’

Jurgen Klopp: Defended Rooney

Jurgen Klopp: Defended Rooney

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says new goalkeeper Loris Karius “has to improve”.

The 23-year-old stopper, who arrived in the summer from Mainz for £4.7 million, has been criticised this season for his handling of crosses this season.

Karius missed the start of the season after breaking a bone in his hand during Liverpool’s pre-season clash with Chelsea in Los Angeles on July 28, but he returned last month and he has started the last four games, including the goalless draw with Manchester United – his second clean sheet for the club.

“It’s a very good start. We watched him for a long time. In the last two years in the Bundesliga he was outstanding but he’s still a young boy,” said Klopp at Thursday’s press conference ahead of the weekend’s game with West Brom.

“It’s about collecting experience. It was not perfect, there was one situation (v United) but you take that risk for the goalkeeper who plays.

“Now in the Premier League there is a different style of play so of course he has to improve and he can improve.”

Klopp confirmed there were no new injuries from Monday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United.

“There is nothing to moan about. They have had a few kicks but nobody is ruled out. Gini [Wijnaldum] is on the way back so if nothing happens today or tomorrow we have quite a big squad,” added Klopp, who also accepted his team will come up against defensive-minded teams.

Jurgen Klopp Loris Karius

“When you really want to be a competitior you need to be angry. That’s very important. That’s how it is.

“West Brom is a very experienced team with a very experienced manager. They don’t want to come here and make it easy for us. I respect that.

“We need to be angry but at the same time patient. There is not only one way to be successful. We cannot choose their way and they cannot choose our way.

“West Brom is an experienced team with an experienced manager. They want a result, we need to find a way to play them.

“At the same moment, we need to be patient enough. All what they are doing in defending is to make us feel uncomfortable. Not to do what we want to do.

“Early goals would help. Three early goals would really help. That’s not really likely.”

Klopp knows just how difficult a team West Brom are to break down and

What’s clear is that the difference between the Premier League and other leagues is that so big individual quality is in all these teams.

“There are a lot of difficult hurdles to jump over to be successful.

“I respect them all. Would I celebrate a draw? It depends on the game. Everything is possible.”