Loris Karius believes his revival at Schalke 04 could earn him a first senior call-up to the Germany national team under newly appointed head coach Jürgen Klopp. The 33-year-old goalkeeper, who joined the Bundesliga club in January 2025, told WAZ that consistent performances could open the door to international recognition after years on the periphery.
"If I produce top performances, maybe I can become a candidate," Karius said when asked about his prospects. "I will give everything for Schalke – then we'll see what comes." His comments come as Klopp prepares to reshape Germany's squad following their disappointing round-of-32 exit at the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Liverpool legend, who managed Karius at Anfield between 2016 and 2018, confirmed at his inaugural press conference that he is casting a wide net, with over 57 outfield players already on his radar.
From Tragedy to Redemption
Karius and Klopp share a complicated history. The keeper arrived at Liverpool from Mainz 05 in 2016 and briefly became the club's number one under the German tactician. That chapter ended catastrophically in the 2018 Champions League final, when Karius's errors—compounded by a concussion suffered during the match—contributed directly to Liverpool's 3-1 defeat to Real Madrid. The psychological toll was immense. "My career had only been going steeply upwards, then I suddenly crashed spectacularly," he revealed. At just 25, he contemplated retirement entirely.
After loan spells at Besiktas and Union Berlin, Karius departed Liverpool permanently in 2022. Two years at Newcastle followed before his move to Schalke. Since arriving in Germany's top flight, the goalkeeper has stabilized his career and played a pivotal role in Schalke's promotion campaign. His comfort at the club is evident: "I can well imagine ending my career here. At the moment I'm not thinking about anything else."
A Crowded Goalkeeper Competition
Germany's goalkeeping landscape remains unsettled following Manuel Neuer's retirement. The door is open for several contenders:
- Oliver Baumann (TSG Hoffenheim) – held the regular position before Neuer's return
- Alexander Nübel (Besiktas) – viewed as a leading candidate
- Jonas Urbig (Bayern Munich) – emerging prospect
- Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona) – returning from injury struggles
Karius enters this competition as an underdog, but Klopp's willingness to give chances to overlooked players offers genuine hope. The coach emphasized at his press conference: "Everyone who is eligible to play for the national team should make an effort. It is a fresh start. Players will get a chance who are not even expecting it yet."
Karius will have his first opportunity to catch Klopp's eye when Die Mannschaft face the Netherlands away in September's Nations League opener. If he maintains his impressive form in the Bundesliga, his long-awaited Germany debut remains within reach.
