Saturday 17 December 2016 16:32, UK
Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet will retain his place for the Merseyside derby against Everton ahead of Loris Karius.
The Belgian had lost his No 1 spot this season but was handed a start in the 3-0 win over Middlesbrough in midweek and will play on Monday, live on Sky Sports 1 HD, after Karius came in for criticism following mistakes in recent weeks.
Klopp insisted restoring Mignolet to the starting line-up was the right decision for both goalkeepers and re-iterated that he had no doubts over the quality of Karius.
"I don't want to change each week, that was not the plan. Simon had a really good game so he will be in goal for sure," Klopp said.
"I tried to explain it after the [Middlesbrough] game, it was about not pushing Loris through the situation. He can use the time in training with no pressure, only the pressure he puts on himself, and getting better.
"I know about how fantastic he is as a goalkeeper but, of course, it is not enough if only I know it. Simon did really well, so nothing to think about, only if something happens and then we have Loris again."
Klopp says he had already explained his decision to drop Karius after the last outing at Middlesbrough and believes it was best to take the 23-year-old "out of the firing line".
He added: "It's never about the decision, it's about explanation and I explained it. It's a good decision for both, that's how I see it. It's not always the common view. I never make final judgements about my players as long as their attitude is good.
"I'm really responsible for the boys that they can deliver their best. The job sometimes is to take someone out of the firing line or out of the public view. Only step aside and use the time to get in your best shape. I know how it is in all public discussions, so I'm not interested."
