MIDDLESBROUGH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Loris Karius of Liverpool stands during the warm up prior to the Premier League match between Middlesbrough and Liverpool at Riverside Stadium on December 14, 2016 in Middlesbrough, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits he didn't enjoy dropping keeper Loris Karius, but he suggested he had to make the change as his side stormed to a stunning 3-0 win at Middlesbrough.

Simon Mignolet impressed on his return to the Liverpool goal and he looks set to enjoy an extended run in the team now, after Klopp bowed to pressure and took Karius out of the firing line.

Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville are among those who have been questioning the continued conclusion of Karius in the Liverpool team, with Klopp admitting he felt the moment was right to relieve the pressure on his 23-year-old keeper.

"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," stated Klopp.

"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."

Klopp went on to praise his side's magnificent display at Middlesbrough, with the 3-0 win enough to take Liverpool into second place in the Premier League standings.

"Not bad, eh," he added with a smile. "In the first half we were good, the second we were much better.

"We had moments in the first half where we were static and even I was confused. We did much better second half, we could have finished more often.

"Adam Lallana is improving even when he doesn't score, but it's nice he's in that situation. About a year ago I had sat him in the office and I was happy with him but he was like 'I'm not scoring'. And I said he wasn't in the right positions.

"Tonight he was twice in the right position and it was wonderful."

Meanwhile, Twitter was filled with images of Karius giving Klopp a 'death stare' from his position behind him in the dug-out at the Riverside Stadium.

It is safe to assume the German's sullen mood was summed up by this brilliant video clip:

If I was Klopp I'd be locking the bedroom door tonight. Dead man walking... pic.twitter.com/ZhxO2l32i4 — Dinklage (@Dinklage_Afc) December 14, 2016

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