Karius: I have to show my worth - for now and the long-term
Loris Karius is determined to prove himself worthy of the chance Jürgen Klopp has given him to be Liverpool's regular goalkeeper.
After continuing his role between the posts in the cup competitions for the Anfield victory over Everton, the German was selected again when Manchester City visited in the Premier League last weekend.
On the day, the manager confirmed that the position is the 24-year-old’s to retain, stating: “Usually I could say it’s a decision for today but if Loris now is able to perform, he will stay in the goal.”
Karius was naturally encouraged by those words, of course, but is conscious of the need to repay Klopp’s faith in him with a series of consistent displays.
“Now you are back in goal you have to prove yourself and show how good you are to stay No.1 in the long-term, not just for the moment, to prove maybe I’m the long-term No.1 that can be in goal here for Liverpool for years to come,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.
“But that’s far ahead. So, for right now I just want to help the team in the remaining four months of the season to reach our goals and do well.”
Watch: Karius on No.1 spot and Swansea
The No.1, who has played 11 times this term, continued: “That’s what I’ve been working towards since I was left out.
“I’ve been using the Champions League to get game time and prove myself. That was very good for me. There were not that many games but it’s the highest level you can play on.
“I had a few league games now and then but, of course, now it’s going to be different playing every week. It’s nice, it’s great to hear and I can’t wait to be in goal again next week.”
The Reds journey to Wales for their next Premier League outing, a meeting with Swansea City – currently bottom of the division – on Monday evening.
They do so with confidence high thanks to the exhilarating 4-3 triumph over the leaders, City, on Sunday, but Karius insisted Liverpool must move on from that result.
“Straight after the game everyone was very happy and pleased,” he said. “The next day, we spoke about the game and of course we were all in a good mood.
“We had a day off and now we’re back in training. It’s not [about] looking back too much, it’s [about] preparing for the next one. There are so many important games to come. We only got three points out of it – that was our aim and we’re very pleased. But now it’s onto the next one.”
Karius will now prepare to be part of the XI selected at the Liberty Stadium.
The opportunity in his hands will not have an influence on the stopper’s approach, however. “There is always pressure. You can turn it any way you want,” he added.
“You can say if you are the challenger that you need to be doing very well every time you come in, or you can’t have a bad game as a No.1. That’s just our job and the pressure comes with it. I don’t really see it as pressure.”