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Five reasons Liverpool will miss out on Champions League qualification

By Roy Emanuel

Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on February 27, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Rachel Holborn - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp LEICESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 27: during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Liverpool at The King Power Stadium on February 27, 2017 in Leicester, England. (Photo by Rachel Holborn - CameraSport via Getty Images) /
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MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Simon Mignolet of Liverpool gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill – AMA/Getty Images)
MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Simon Mignolet of Liverpool gestures during the Barclays Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill – AMA/Getty Images) /

Goalkeeping

Jurgen Klopp’s high-press system requires constant work in the midfield, quick movement towards the opposing goal and strong defensive work at the back. Along with full-backs often being involved higher up the pitch from time to time, there is a great emphasis on quality play from the team’s goalkeeper.

Liverpool have unfortunately not been able to count on that area very often this season.
Incumbent starter Simon Mignolet has struggled with consistency, while summer signing Loris Karius has dealt with both injuries and dips in form.

When it seemed that the young German international was ready to step into the role full-time back in October, Karius endured disappointing results soon after.

Mignolet’s positioning has caused major issues throughout the campaign, especially when defending free-kicks and set-pieces.

These are the types of mistakes that cause a club to drop critical points in the Premier League race, and Liverpool do not have a direct answer to their goalkeeping question at the moment.

With key fixtures remaining against the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City, Liverpool’s struggles at the goalkeeper position will keep them from gaining the necessary points for a return to the UEFA Champions League.

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