Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has jumped to the defence of underfire goalkeeper Loris Karius despite dropping him from the starting lineup for tonight's match against Middlesbrough.

Karius has been criticised for mistakes in recent weeks and was left on the bench at the Riverside Stadium as Simon Mignolet came in and kept a clean sheet in a 3-0 victory.

Klopp admitted that it was a difficult decision to make, but insists that he did it to protect Karius.

"Life is not always the nicest but these are my boys and for me it is important to push them and protect them and sometimes I have to make decisions I don't like," he told reporters.

"I know how strong Loris is, but he couldn't show it in the last few games. Judging him in this moment makes no sense. Simon Mignolet is on the bench and we have to have competition. It's all about Liverpool. The boys have good character. Karius is still a great keeper."

Liverpool's next match sees them take on Merseyside rivals Everton on Monday.