Loris Karius: “I Can Imagine Staying” At Union Berlin

The last time we saw Loris Karius wear the Liverbird on his chest was not a fun day. A concussion suffered in the 2018 Champion’s League Final threw the German off his game and led to a pair of costly blunders in the 3-1 defeat. Though it’s hard to judge him too harshly because of the head trauma, it was clear to many after the match that the Keeper’s future would not be at Liverpool.

Unfortunately, Karius’ contract runs through 2022, and he wasn’t exactly a hot commodity after the CL Final disaster, so a two year loan to Beşiktaş JK in the Turkish Süper Lig was the best move Liverpool could find for the fallen keeper. Karius made a decent showing in Istanbul but ultimately terminated his contract due to an ongoing dispute over unpaid wages.

Up next was a September 2020 loan to Bundesliga side Union Berlin. Initially relegated to the backup role, Karius has finally seen the pitch in recent weeks following regular starter Andreas Luthe going out on compassionate leave. He has made four appearances (three starts) since the end of January, keeping two clean sheets and allowing just a single goal.

In a recent interview with Bild, the German keeper expressed that he is happy at Union, especially now that he is playing. Though, it does sound like he would be content in Berlin even if he were still watching matches from the bench.

“I feel totally at home in Berlin and at Union. Of course, I want to play, but if that were different, then I wouldn’t have lost anything here either.”

Though he’s played well of late, Karius was quick to shift credit away from himself and onto the team as a whole, seeming more interested in being a player to rely on than receiving praise.

“It’s about the success of the team, not about myself. We haven’t lost the last three games and we worked well as a team. I’m very proud,” admitted Karius. “The coach knows that I’m there. If he needs me, he can rely on me.”

As for what comes next, Karius is very settled in Berlin and would surely seek a permanent move to Union if given the option.

“I still have a contract with Liverpool FC until 2022. But of course, I can imagine staying in Berlin if everything fits. I’m not just passing through here. The mentality of the people and the spirit of the team are good for me. I’m basically a down-to-earth guy, even if I drive an expensive car!” joked Karius.

It’s nice to hear that Karius has found a place he feels at home. It’s been a very tumultuous few years since that day in Kiev. Whether he was good enough to cut it for Liverpool or not, it’s hard to watch a player go through what he’s gone through. Hopefully, he will get the permanent move to Union Berlin that he clearly desires. YNWA Loris.