Simon Mignolet LiverpoolGetty

No need for Hart and Casillas with Liverpool already 'pretty good' in goalkeeping stakes, claims coach

Liverpool are looking “pretty good” in the goalkeeping department and have no need for change, says coach John Achterberg.

The Reds saw Simon Mignolet and Loris Karius struggle at times during the 2016-17 campaign, with both men promoted and dropped at various stages of the season.

Mignolet eventually found form to nail down a starting berth, but speculation has linked Jurgen Klopp with moves for the likes of England international Joe Hart and World Cup winner Iker Casillas.

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Achterberg, though, has full faith in those already on the club’s books, with Danny Ward another option after returning from a promotion-winning campaign with Huddersfield.

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“My opinion is that, in goalkeeping terms, things look pretty good for Liverpool," the Dutchman told the Liverpool Echo.

“At a club like Liverpool small things get highlighted a lot more than at other clubs. Look at other clubs, they had their moments last season where not everything was perfect with their goalies.

“My job is to try to help the goalies to stay positive. I always talk to them and tell them what I think can be improved and I explain why we’re working on something.

“I try to help all of them to keep motivated so they’re working day in day out to be the best they can be.”

Simon Mignolet LiverpoolGetty

Achterberg said of Mignolet’s efforts in 2016-17: “Simon did very well.

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“He got a lot of praise which was well deserved. He made some important saves in vital games towards the end of the season which earned points for the team. There were match-winning saves and he helped us get to that fourth place.

“He improved in all areas of his game. That’s credit to him for the hard work he put in on the training ground. He produced it on the pitch. Now he needs to try to keep that momemtum going and take it into next season.”

HD Loris Karius

He added on Karius, who endured a tough debut campaign in England but is determined to stay and fight for his place - as revealed by Goal on Tuesday: “Loris came here to fight Simon.

“You know how it works in football. If the other one gets back in then he has to take it and it was the same for Loris. He had to wait and work hard and wait for the next chance to come up. His attitude was very good.

“Loris played against Sydney and didn’t do anything wrong. I know he wasn’t really busy but every decision he made was the right one. He showed he has good qualities and he’s still young.”

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