Loris Karius: Give 100% once more this week

Karius was open afterwards in admitting that the Royal Blues’ performance against FCN was not among their best of the season. “The win was a bit fortunate, it wasn’t a good game by us,” he said. “But the fact that we still got the win in the end shows how united we are.” Even after the 2-0 victory away at Fortuna Düsseldorf, the 32-year-old felt there was room for improvement. “Ultimately nobody asks how you win games. We’ve already shown that we can do better, and that’s where we need to get back to.”

There is no denying that Schalke’s defence, with Karius at its heart, has been in fine form this season. The Royal Blues have conceded just eight goals in 16 league matches, with the keeper recording a clean sheet in nine of them – including the recent games in Düsseldorf and against Nürnberg. Only Karlsruher SC have managed to score more than once against Schalke in the league so far. “This defensive solidity is the basis for our game,” explained Karius. “From the back, I try to keep an overview on things and stay calm. Having the fans behind us gives us an extra boost as well.”

Thanks in part to those strong defensive numbers, the Royal Blues have ensured that they will go into the winter break on top of the table. For Karius, however, that is of secondary importance. “We still have one target left this year and that is to reach 40 points,” he said. “That would make me happier than being top at the winter break and it would give us all an even better Christmas.” His focus is therefore firmly on the upcoming league match away at Eintracht Braunschweig on Sunday (21/12). “We need to give 100% every day this week so that we can pick up three points in Braunschweig and be proud of a sensational first half of the season.”