Liverpool victory goes some way to justifying Jürgen Klopp's risk-taking - but questions persist nonetheless

Successive weekends, successive risks taken by Jürgen Klopp; decisions that placed enormous pressure on his own judgement and the mental strength of his players

From Jürgen the Forgiver to Jürgen the Just? (Getty)

From Jürgen the Forgiver to Jürgen the Conformist to Jürgen the Ruthless. And now, maybe, Jürgen the Just? A hissing, fully-charged Anfield, celebrating its fourth goal against Manchester City would suggest the description is an accurate one.

Successive weekends, successive risks taken by Jürgen Klopp; decisions that placed enormous pressure on his own judgement and subsequently, really tested the abilities and mental strength of his players.

It is fair that the acceptance of Philippe Coutinho’s departure cannot be viewed as instantly progressive for Liverpool because they have lost someone so talented at a moment of promise and it does not sound like a replacement has been sourced.

Yet nor can Klopp be accused of lacking courage, having confirmed on Friday that the call to let him go was ultimately his, as difficult as that might be to believe amongst those who think he is merely acting as a fireguard for those above him with financial interests.

Sunday morning comes and Klopp effectively brings to an end another Liverpool player’s career by confirming before kick-off that Loris Karius would now be his first-choice goalkeeper subject to performance.

Perhaps no player in Liverpool’s history has had as many opportunities to prove himself as Simon Mignolet. Perhaps no other manager than Klopp would have excused him so often. The call would mean more pressure on Klopp. More pressure on Karius. More questions. What if Karius makes a mistake? How can Klopp rely now on Mignolet to replace him from such a low point? It will lead to suggestions Klopp should enter the transfer market in the next few weeks, though goalkeepers, particularly very good ones, have a record of moving around less than other positions in this month.

It certainly feels as though Mignolet’s last chance has been and gone. The three goals conceded at Arsenal proved to be the night that Liverpool's patience ran out with him. And so, it feels as though Karius’s last chance is approaching. Privately, there has been an acceptance at Melwood between Klopp, his coaches, and his team of analysts that it is a position that requires improvement. Karius will be given his chance to build confidence and trust but ultimately, the situation is likely to be reviewed in the summer.

It is significant that since becoming Borussia Dortmund’s manager where he inherited Roman Weidenfeller nearly a decade ago, Klopp has signed just one goalkeeper with the intention of making him number No 1 straight away. An injury to Karius in the summer of 2016 and his corresponding displays have seen the possibility of that happening disappear. The goalkeeper is, then, despite all of his experience, the player Klopp remains relatively inexperienced in choosing when it comes to shopping.

Loris Karius has been handed another chance under Jurgen Klopp (Getty)

What nobody concerned nevertheless needed was the sum of all fears being recognised so quickly: Karius being at fault for a Manchester City goal, for example. Leroy Sané’s equalising shot was from ten yards. It was hit harder than an observer might really appreciate. It was at Karius’s near side. He did not get a hand on it, in fact it was as though his hand disappeared. A new conversation starts.

But then you have to discuss Jürgen the Just. What about Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s contribution? Chamberlain had replaced Coutinho. He scored the opener, driving through midfield before releasing the sort of shot not witnessed on this ground regularly enough since Steve Gerrard’s retirement. He later served Roberto Firmino and suddenly, Liverpool were ahead. Suddenly, Liverpool were away. Suddenly, it felt like Jürgen was justified.