Loris Karius is going to make his Newcastle United debut in the Carabao Cup final, and Toon teammate Kieran Trippier has confidence in the goalkeeper.
This is the second time in their careers that Karius and Trippier are playing together. They were also at Manchester City, with the right-back admitting that he’s known Karius since he was 15.
Now Trippier is 32, and is going to lead Newcastle out at Wembley. But rather than be followed by Nick Pope, it will be Karius behind him.
Pope is suspended for the game after his red card against Liverpool, meaning the German has the chance to make his first competitive Newcastle appearance in the club’s biggest game in years. He has only played one game all season, which came in a friendly win over Al Hilal in December.
It is an incredible opportunity for Karius, whose reputation is summed up by his disastrous appearance in the 2018 Champions League final.
However, Trippier has total confidence in the 29-year-old and backs his ability as a goalkeeper.
Kieran Trippier backs ‘very good’ Loris Karius
The £12million man has been speaking to the Shields Gazette about Karius ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.
“I’ve known Loz since Man City,” he said.
“I’ve known him since I was 15, 16.
“He’s a very good goalkeeper. He’s aggressive, he’s confident – and he’s trained well since he’s been here. He has not played games, but he’ll be ready if called upon – make no mistake about that.”
Trippier went on to add: “Loz’s had a good career. You don’t play that many games for Liverpool, and play in cup finals, if you’re not a good goalkeeper.”
Trippier makes a very good point
While Karius does not have a great reputation after what happened at Liverpool, it should not define him as a goalkeeper.
He wouldn’t have a professional career and be on the books of a Premier League club if he wasn’t good at his job.
Whenever you think of Karius, you think about his errors in the Champions League final. But he now has the chance to rewrite history on Sunday.
If he can help Newcastle to victory and guide the club to Carabao Cup glory then he will immediately become a Toon legend. Not bad for your debut…
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