Klopp Fires Back at Ex-Man U Duo for Criticizing Liverpool

Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool’s manager, staunchly defended goalkeeper Loris Karius in the face of criticism from former Manchester United defenders Gary and Phil Neville. Klopp had signed Karius in 2016 with hopes of securing a reliable first-choice goalkeeper. However, Karius’s tenure was marred by high-profile errors, notably in the 2018 Champions League final.

Liverpool acted swiftly, bringing in Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker in the summer of 2018 for £56 million. Alisson proved to be a stellar addition, playing a pivotal role in Liverpool’s subsequent Premier League and Champions League victories. In contrast, Karius struggled to establish himself, making only 49 appearances before being loaned out and eventually released in 2022.

Despite criticism from the Neville brothers, who questioned Karius’s suitability for Liverpool, Klopp steadfastly supported his goalkeeper. He criticized the pundits, emphasizing that former players often forget the challenges of facing criticism. Klopp particularly singled out the Neville brothers, suggesting their managerial experience should have made them more empathetic.

Klopp remarked, “Especially the Neville brothers; the one who was the manager he obviously should know that too much criticism never helps. But he is not interested in helping a Liverpool player.” Klopp questioned the credibility of their judgment and expressed indifference to their opinions, highlighting that he doesn’t listen to them.

In response to Gary Neville’s comments, Klopp humorously mentioned his absence on Twitter, asserting that social media wouldn’t influence his perspective. Despite the criticism, Klopp remained resolute in his support for Karius during his early days at Liverpool, showcasing his commitment to shielding players from external pressure.