This is going to be make or break for Loris Karius.
Following a spate of errors and an ever-increasing media scrutiny on the Liverpool goalkeeper, he’s been dropped for the Reds’ clash at Middlesbrough on Wednesday night.
Karius didn’t cover himself in glory at the weekend, when he should arguably have done better with both of West Ham’s goals in the 2-2 draw.
The 23-year-old failed to get power behind the hand that got a touch to Dimitri Payet’s free kick before he then found himself in a questionable position for Michail Antonio’s effort.
He's the Reds' weak link – and everyone knows it | @TonyBarrett https://t.co/YYwHArJhmR
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) December 11, 2016
Karius’ sub-par performance against Bournemouth a week earlier resulted in Gary Neville criticising the German in comments that Karius responded to in an interview with the The Daily Mail.
Even Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has hit out at the ‘keeper’s abilities, which will do nothing to help out with the player’s confidence.
It’s been a whirlwind few months on Merseyside for Karius, who we understand will not be in Jurgen Klopp’s starting XI for the Reds’ midweek fixture at the Riverside Stadium.
A big call from Jurgen Klopp who has dropped Loris Karius from the Liverpool team that faces Middlesbrough tonight. Simon Mignolet comes in.
— Tony Barrett (@TonyBarrett) December 14, 2016
Simon Mignolet will return to the fray, in a move that has divided Reds supporters.
Some believed it was the right call from the Liverpool manager.
Karius deserves to be dropped. Mignolet is no better but it's only fair to give an opportunity with our No.1 choice struggling.
— Pratik (@TheNormaI1) December 14, 2016
If Karius has been dropped tonight then it's only fair. Mignolet was dropped for less and deserves a chance to stake his claim #LFC
— Dean (@Qwertyowen) December 14, 2016
Others got a chuckle out of the suggestion that he was taking the Neville brothers’ advice.
Klopp slagging Neville and Carragher off for criticising Karius. Then he drops him next game… hahahahahaha
— Craig Tyrer (@CraigTyrer) December 14, 2016
Karius DROPPED 🙈😂😂😂 Fucking Brilliant Jurgen… Looks Like The Neville's Are Bang On The Money!!
— OJ (@OliverStark1) December 14, 2016
A section of Liverpool supporters argued that Karius was being dropped to protect him from the media tornado he found himself engulfed by.
https://twitter.com/Riaz1982/status/809086662668066816
I just hope Klopp dropping Karius is to protect him because after all so many know it alls are after him and will point out any little thing
— Mel (@melissajd92) December 14, 2016
Whereas most were just dreading the sight of Mignolet between the sticks.
https://twitter.com/ffsGeorge/status/809085504553709568
https://twitter.com/SimplyRoberto11/status/809077609711669248
https://twitter.com/Robish13/status/809086622851624960
https://twitter.com/Scott_Ball_/status/809085825275363328
Can't wait for mignolet to fuck up and not get as much critcisim as Karius yes he's fucked up but IMO he's been criticised too much
— Jonesy (@JonesyLFC_) December 14, 2016
