Karius: How a one-goal deficit can be turned around
Having played a key role in keeping Liverpool firmly in contention to reach the EFL Cup final, Loris Karius has called for a confident approach to the second leg against Southampton.
The goalkeeper produced a string of important saves in the opening meeting at St Mary’s a fortnight ago, being beaten only once – by Nathan Redmond – on a night when the Reds fell short of their usual standards.
Karius and co will hope to return to their highest level this evening, though, as they try to reach the tournament’s decider for the second season in succession.
While there is clearly work to be done to make that ambition a reality, the German stopper believes the current circumstances of the tie can be used to Liverpool’s advantage.
“I don’t think one goal in a cup game is the world,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“When you have a home game, you can take a goal in the first half, have the momentum, come at them again, make life really difficult for them and then it can change really quickly. That’s what we’ll try to do.
“They have a good side; we have played them twice and we know they have a good side. But at home, I think we’re really confident we can turn it around. One goal is not that much, so we will try everything.
“If we look at the first game, obviously there’s a lot to improve. I can’t tell you the whole plan!
“But the manager will prepare us really well, he will analyse where we can break through better and what we can do better. And then we will go out and try everything.”
In his immediate post-match reaction after the first leg, Karius highlighted the impact Anfield could have in helping Liverpool overturn the deficit against their fellow Premier League side.
The ‘keeper reiterated that view ahead of this clash and explained how a positive start from the players can be a catalyst for an atmosphere that aids the hosts and intimidates the visitors.
“Of course, we want the crowd to give us a lift and carry us through the game, making it harder for the opponents and easier for us,” said Karius.
“A big stadium can put pressure on the opposition team. I hope the fans will help us, I’m sure they will. We will try to get a good start so we can take the fans with us.”