Karius at Schalke 04: Rescue or risk in relegation battle?

Karius at Schalke 04: Rescue or risk in relegation battle?

FC Schalke 04 has made a remarkable change in the goal during the winter break. Loris Karius, known for his time at Liverpool, was obliged to stabilize the weak defensive of the association. Trainer Kees van Wonderen confirmed that Justin Heekeren, who could not meet expectations this season, was replaced by Karius. Heekeren conceded 38 goals in 21 games and is now under pressure, since Schalke 04 is only six points ahead of the relegation place in a basement duel against Prussia Münster.

Karius, who has not played a competitive game for two years, sees his return to Germany as an opportunity to prove himself in a large club. He played his last competitive game on February 24, 2024 for Newcastle United, where he played Arsenal against FC. Before his commitment to Newcastle, he was active at Union Berlin and was noticed in a negative light as a result of missed services, especially in the 2018 Champions League final. There he favored the defeat of his former team, Liverpool.

expectations of Karius

Trainer van Wonderen is convinced of the experience and quality of the 29-year-old keeper and expects Karius to support the team in the relegation battle of the 2nd Bundesliga. The association is on the sporting and financial abyss and wants to climb into the upper half of the table with Karius. Schalke is currently taking 13th place, while Prussia Münster is in 15th place. Another defeat could reduce the distance to the relegation zone to dangerous three points.

Heekeren, who now has to take a seat on the bench, remains a great talent with the possibility to fight back. Van Wonderen emphasizes the necessary competition in the team to increase performance. The current criticism of Heekeren can be seen in the clearly worrying record of the team, which has conceded 43 goals so far.

special features of Karius' obligation

away from the square, Karius also attracts attention with his private relationship. His wife Diletta Leotta has over nine million followers on Instagram and inspires her fans with impressions of luxury bikes, including from a vacation in the Maldives. With the acquaintance of the two, a certain media focus has also returned to Karius, which accompanies his return to professional football.

The 1. FC Köln meanwhile cemented its place at the top of the table with a narrow 1-0 victory over Schalke. This tightens the situation for the Gelsenkirchen traditional club in the tough and competitive 2nd Bundesliga. Karius' immediate commitment in the home game against Prussia Münster is just around the corner and is eagerly awaited.