Loris Karius’ performances convinced Jürgen Klopp to install the German as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper ahead of last Sunday’s victory over Manchester City.

Klopp opted to start Karius against City and explained that the 24-year-old - who had predominantly featured in cup competitions previously this season - would be given an opportunity to prove himself as the Reds’ No.1.

Karius kept two clean sheets during his three starts in December and also played as Klopp’s team defeated Everton 2-1 in the third round of the FA Cup at the start of this month.

And, while confirming that Karius will again be included in his side for Monday’s trip to Swansea City, Klopp said on Friday that the former Mainz stopper had earned his opportunity. 

“How I said, it’s a very difficult job to be a goalkeeper or a centre-half at Liverpool because nobody forgives you one mistake, obviously. Since I’m in it feels like ‘wow, if our goalkeeper makes a mistake it’s a disaster’ and if any other goalkeeper makes a mistake then it’s ‘he’s still a fantastic goalkeeper and we should buy him’,” the manager told his pre-match press conference at Melwood.

“So I’m really fine with our goalkeeper situation. Yes, Loris Karius could have made a save around the first goal against Man City, even when I think it was a world-class finish in this moment. It was very surprising, very hard, stuff like that. 

“It always makes sense to say the truth but he’s a really good goalkeeper and we brought him in because we wanted him to play. We have a few difficulties but meanwhile he’s settled as well and [there are] a lot of really good things in his game, they are natural and I like them and now he can show them. 

“We changed a lot of positions through the year and only with the goalkeeper it looks like we have to stick to our opinion for 20 years if we’ve made a decision one time, so I changed not my opinion, but I changed the situation now, that’s all. 

“Of course Loris has to deliver, he knows that, but now he is the No.1 and that means he can play a game and he can concede a goal like he conceded against Manchester. 

“It’s not that we want that but it’s still possible, but all the good things I’d like to see again. I saw a lot of good things in the games he played in the last few weeks. That’s why he’s in.”