Goalkeeper Loris Karius has become a key factor in FC Schalke 04’s successful start to the season. The next big test comes in the game at Hannover 96.
The next, second career of Lorius Karius should already be determined. The 32-year-old is still a professional footballer at FC Schalke 04. If the collaboration with the club ends at some point, Karius should also start as a model. His most recent pictures, which he posted on social media from his short vacation during the international break on Lake Como in Italy, attracted a lot of attention – and enthusiasm.
But the 32-year-old goalkeeper’s focus is still on his actual job. And things are going surprisingly well. With Karius between the posts, things are going smoothly for the Royal Blues this season. Only five goals conceded after eight match days is nothing short of spectacular in view of the previous two seasons, when Schalke were the league’s shooting gallery (60 and 62 goals conceded).
Ben Manga seized the opportunity
The new defensive stability is the key that those responsible have found to make the Schalke team fully competitive again. And Karius, who was unemployed for six months before his signing last January, plays an important role in this.
The former Schalke squad planner Ben Manga recognized the opportunity and seized it. A worthwhile move, as it turned out. “We are very happy that we expressed our trust in Loris. And that in a phase in which there wasn’t much trust. Most players repay that with a good performance,” says S04 coach Miron Muslic.
Karius critics have fallen silent
The former goalkeeper from Mainz 05 and Liverpool FC – where he had to leave ingloriously after a major mistake in the Champions League final – has emerged as an important factor in the team after an adjustment period and a lengthy injury absence.
The critics who were there after Karius’ signing because they believed that the goalkeeper had developed into a less serious bon vivant and that he would no longer be able to achieve his old performance levels can no longer be heard.
Karius full of praise
Saved penalties, the regular thwarting of great scoring chances and the confidence that Karius recently radiated on his team show that he takes his job in the Schalke goal extremely seriously.
“It didn’t matter to me that no one had him on the list. We knew what qualities and personality he had. That was exactly what the team needed,” said Muslic.
And Karius clearly feels comfortable at Berger Feld. “I go to training every day with a smile. It’s fun to work with this team and this coaching team,” said Karius recently.
Essential success factor
Now the next big test for Karius and his Schalke team lies ahead. The team will play at Hannover 96 on Friday evening (October 17, 2025, 6:30 p.m.). “In terms of the game idea, two worlds collide,” says Muslic.
And the 43-year-old also provides the main differences between the two teams. “We come from aggressiveness and intensity against the ball,” said the S04 coach. Completely in contrast to Lower Saxony. “They clearly define themselves by possession and ball dominance and are very clear in their processes.”
Schalke, currently second in the table, will not make any changes to their defensive style of play. Not least because the defense around Loris Karius is the key success factor for the Royal Blues.
