Loris Karius spent six years at Liverpool before leaving Anfield as a free agent at the end of the 2021/22 season.
The goalkeeper moved to Newcastle United on a free transfer in September 2022 and left when his contract with them expired in June 2024.
He was without a club for a few months until Schalke signed him for free in January. The former Liverpool man has been No.1 for the second division German club this season, and is leading them to a much-wanted return to the Bundesliga.
Karius has kept six clean sheets and conceded 11 goals from 13 matches for Schalek so far. The goalkeeper is receiving praise and it may remind of his early career in Germany.
Thursday’s edition of Die Welt has published an interview with the 32-year-old, during which he talked about Liverpool and a crucial lesson he picked up.
Schalke are second in the table, two points behind leaders SC Paderborn 07, and are in contention for the promotion to the Bundesliga. The newspaper pointed out to him that his teammates talk about his leadership role.
“That depends primarily on my performance, of course. But sure, I’ve experienced a lot in my career, and I want to be a role model for younger players. They can look to me for guidance in certain situations, and my job is to make them feel confident,” he said.
“It’s important that I, as an experienced player, demonstrate the necessary commitment. I remember my youth: things came easily to me back then. Perhaps a conversation or two would have done me some good.”
Loris Karius learned from Liverpool colleagues
Loris Karius Die Welt
Loris Karius has spoken to German newspaper Die Welt, and revealed a lesson he learned at Liverpool
Die Welt immediately asked the ex-Liverpool stopper what he meant by having a chat would have done some good. This is when he mentioned the lesson he learnt with the Reds.
“I probably could have trained even more back then. For me, it was all about progress for years. Maybe you do a little less than you could,” Karius explained.
“I invest much more time in my body today than I did back then. Especially during my time in Liverpool, I realised what professionalism means every single day. The players structured their lives around success. The weight room was packed before and after every training session. That kind of thing is motivating.”