Loris Karius says he is up for the challenge of Premier League football while competing with Simon Mignolet and Alex Manninger for top spot.
Liverpool signed Karius from Mainz for £4.7 million in the summer transfer window but he is yet to play a minute of competitive football for the club. In a pre-season fixture against Chelsea the German broke his hand and has since had surgery to repair the damage done.
His recovery from the injury has been impressive, to say the least.
The German was voted in as the Bundesliga’s second best keeper’, just behind Manuel Neuer, by his fellow professionals which indicates his quality.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com, Karius said, “Competition is always good for the team. The manager needs to find 11 players and we have great players in every position – probably two for each position. That’s how it is.
“Goalkeeper-wise, the three of us get on really well. In training, of course we know we are in competition, but we have a good relationship and there’s a good harmony between us.
“Obviously I want to play but with the injury I just have to see how it goes. The most important thing is that as a team we get results on top of playing well. Whoever the manager thinks is best to do that for him, that’s how it is.
“I’m looking forward, not really thinking about the challenge, but just being able to train with the team and go out every day, enjoy myself doing what I really like to do instead of just hitting the gym every day and watching the others play. It’s going to be a good feeling. Then we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
Once Karius is fit, it will be the first time he is playing in the Premier League. Although, he doesn’t seem to think that it will impact him much.
“I don’t think so because I have always tried to see where I can help the teams I’ve played at before and where I can make the play quicker when it’s needed or when to calm it down,” he replies.
“Probably the reason I am here is because the manager thinks I’ll fit into the style of play. Of course, he tells me his ideas and I don’t think we’re far off, so I think I’m good!
“I’ve also seen a lot of the Premier League before – it’s a high level, but I think it’s the same in Germany so I don’t think I am going to be surprised about anything.
“I am well prepared and looking forward to it, so there’s nothing I am scared of or unsure of. I think I am good to go.”