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Jurgen Klopp says Loris Karius has role to play at Anfield, despite Alisson signing

Loris Karius
Image: Loris Karius started Liverpool's most recent friendly - a 3-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the US

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp says Loris Karius still has a role to play at the club, despite the record signing of Alisson.

The Brazilian goalkeeper was bought from Roma for £67m, Sky Sports News understands, making him the most expensive goalkeeper of all time.

While Klopp admits Alisson will be Liverpool's number one this season, he insists previous incumbent Karius still has a future at Anfield.

He said: "Obviously Alisson is a world-class goalkeeper, so we're not going to say 'let's have a look'. He will play, of course.

Jurgen Klopp
Image: Klopp says he wants to give Alisson time to rest ahead of the new season

"He is the No 1 for Brazil and then there is the fee. When Alisson is ready, he will be in our goal. We all need to help him so he can perform as good as possible. That is maybe the only difference.

"But for that to happen we need a strong squad around him and Loris is an outstanding goalkeeper. That's the truth. Nothing else."

Liverpool are currently in the US as they continue their pre-season preparations, with Karius the most senior goalkeeper in the squad.

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Alisson was left behind, with Klopp saying he needs time to recover after representing Brazil at the World Cup, and Liverpool's opening game of the new Premier League season three weeks away.

SOCHI, RUSSIA - JUNE 18:  Goalkeeper Alisson of Brazil looks on during a training session at Yug-Sport Stadium on June 18, 2018 in Sochi, Russia.  (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Image: Alisson completed his £67m move to Liveprool earlier this week

"When I saw him at Melwood, he looked fit," said Klopp. "He's desperate to play. He wanted to stay, but it made absolutely no sense.

"He's had a long year. As Brazil No 1, it was quite an intense year. The World Cup is not a tournament you only play a little bit, it was intense. So I sent him on holiday again.

"There will still be two games to play before West Ham and then West Ham is only the first game of the season, not the last one. So we will see."

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