Jurgen Klopp announced that Loris Karius would remain Liverpool’s number one choice between the sticks.
It is a decision that, especially amid a number of rumours, came as a real surprise to the Liverpool faithful.
The Reds have strengthened across the pitch ahead of the new season – most recently acquiring Xherdan Shaqiri – however have arguably left their weakest position alone.
And an awful error in a recent friendly against local rivals Tranmere has intensified scrutiny.
Karius endured the cruel finger of blame for a horrific Champions League final. His two inexplicable blunders gave Real Madrid a sizeable hand in securing their third successive European crown.
Klopp is adamant, though, that the former Mainz stopper is an adequate choice as goalkeeper for such a prestigious club.
It also means that Loris Karius is set to undergo excruciating investigation after every performance, as many believe he cost Liverpool the Champions League.
Last term a battle between him and Simon Mignolet dominated the headlines. However this season the spotlight is firmly on the German.
No room for error
Karius’ catastrophic mistakes in the Champions League showdown leaves little wriggle room. Jurgen Klopp is incredibly bold, and perhaps foolish, to avoid splashing out on a new goalkeeper.
The German already showed his flimsiness earlier in the campaign, however pulled a superb run together ahead of the final. It was surprising to see him brutally crash back down, although rumours of a potential concussion, as well as the weight of the occasion, evidently got the better of Karius.
Should Liverpool aim to mount a Premier League title challenge which, with their star-studded squad, they must, Karius needs to perform.
Premier League champions, more often than not, are inspired by a stalwart, die-hard goalkeeper. Manchester City’s Ederson was archetypal of that last season, and the likes of Petr Cech, Edwin van der Sar and Kasper Schmeichel are among an exclusive list of title-winning stoppers.
If Karius is to join that set, or even reinvent himself and remove the plaguing labels after his fateful June evening, this needs to be an impressive season.
Mistakes cannot be rife, distribution must remain at a high standard and obviously save-making goes without mentioning.
There really is no room for error. Alisson is probably on Liverpool’s books despite the claims from Klopp, hence why Karius is under pressure from the outset.
Tough to recover
There is no doubting Karius is going to have an arduous task reigniting his career after the Champions League final.
The whole world watched him make undeniably dreadful mistakes, and some must have felt sorry for him when he pleaded to the crowd in tears.
It was a plead representing his anguish and despair, the heavy burden rest on his shoulders and recuperating from that is going to prove taxing.
He can do it, though. Karius has already received Jurgen Klopp’s seal of approval, which is enough to underline his importance in a team growing in strength by the week.
Next: Toby Alderweireld gives Tottenham fans new hope
If this season is one to remember, for Karius and Liverpool, the horror of the Champions League final might just begin to evaporate.