Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp plays down Hans Leitert's role at Anfield

Jurgen Klopp has explained goalkeeping consultant Hans Leitert's role at Anfield

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists the arrival of goalkeeping consultant Hans Leitert should not threaten Loris Karius and Simon Mignolet.

Karius and Mignolet have both struggled to hold down a regular first-team place this season, although the German goalkeeper is currently preferred by Klopp.

The Reds have been linked with the likes of Alisson, Jan Oblak and Jack Butland but Klopp has repeatedly insisted he is happy with his current selection of goalkeepers.

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Reports in Austria recently claimed Leitert has been appointed as head of goalkeeping at Liverpool but Klopp denies this is the case and insists the 45-year-old former Austria Vienna keeper is working in an advisory role for the Reds.

When asked what Leitert's role at Anfield entails, Klopp said: "Giving advice for the scouting department, nothing else. It's not like he makes any decisions, he can't.

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Image: Loris Karius (pictured) and Simon Mignolet have struggled for form this season

"Goalkeeping is his special position and I think it makes sense that in the scouting department we have somebody who is responsible for that.

"But it is not about him coming in and saying 'I've found it - this is our new No 1'. We have a lot of goalkeepers at the club in different age groups and that is what his job is first of all.

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"The man responsible for goalkeeping training with the first-team is John Achterberg and head of scouting we have other people.

"He [Leitert] brings in all the information he can get, but that is all."

Image: Liverpool face Southampton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League

Karius saved a penalty from Harry Kane as Liverpool drew 2-2 with Tottenham on Sunday and the German will be hoping for another positive performance when the Reds travel to face Southampton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.

Klopp is expecting a tough challenge against the Saints, who are managed by former Liverpool defender Mauricio Pellegrino.

"It will not be a friendly game - we will fight for everything and they will fight for everything," said Klopp. "The quality of the squad is really, really good. They will probably show it but we have our own targets. It's a very interesting challenge.

"They are a footballing side, it's quite rare."

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