Jurgen Klopp backs Loris Karius to perform ahead of Carabao Cup final

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says Newcastle United can rely on Loris Karius ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

Karius, who enjoyed a spell under Klopp’s tutelage during his time at Anfield, joined Eddie Howe’s side on a short-term deal at the start of the season after his contract with the Reds expired.

The 29-year-old is yet to feature for Newcastle since arriving at St James’ Park. 

However, his first appearance for the Magpies could come in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday amidst the current goalkeeping crisis at the club.

First-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope was sent off in Newcastle’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool after his horrendous decision to handle the ball outside his 18-yard area.

The red card means Pope is ineligible for Newcastle’s big game at Wembley Stadium.

Second-choice Martin Dubravka, who replaced the 30-year-old at the weekend, is cup-tied having represented the Red Devils during the first half of the season.

Karl Darlow is currently on loan at Hull City, meaning Howe’s only options for the final are Karius, who recently extended his stay at the club until the end of the season, and fourth choice Mark Gillespie.

With Karius set for his debut on the big stage, his former boss has backed him to shine for the Tyneside club despite being away from action for a while.

“Yeah, I heard about that,” Klopp said (via talkSPORT). “I think they can absolutely rely on him, there’s no doubt about that.

“He’s a great goalie, that’s why Newcastle signed him, but of course unlucky for Nick Pope in the moment.

“Absolutely [it’s a good opportunity for him]. This is what he [Karius] was working for all the time, absolutely.”

Karius spent most of his Liverpool career on several loan stints away from the club. But his career with the Reds ended after his awful performance that handed Real Madrid the Champions League title in 2018.

The German spent the following two seasons on loan at Besiktas and Union Berlin before his contract with Liverpool expired at the end of last season.