Jurgen Klopp could have been forgiven for experiencing traumatic flashbacks. The mention of Loris Karius and a cup final may have been enough to stir unwanted memories. Liverpool’s Champions League finals can be defined by their goalkeepers, by the heroics of Bruce Grobbelaar and Jerzy Dudek in shootouts. Then came 2018, the moment when Karius threw the ball against Karim Benzema’s outstretched foot and watched it roll into the Liverpool net, to the long-range shot from Gareth Bale that squirmed through his hands.
A few days later, doctors concluded Karius was concussed. An explanation may not have altered anything. It is one of the most infamous goalkeeping displays in footballing history. It was Karius’ 49th and last game for Liverpool. And now his first, and perhaps last, for Newcastle could be in a cup final: not of the same magnitude in one respect but, as United have not won a major trophy for 54 years, one of immense significance nonetheless.
