Loris Karius talks clean sheets and emergency striker Shamal George
Loris Karius declared himself satisfied after helping Liverpool keep a fourth consecutive clean sheet during the 2-0 pre-season victory over Huddersfield Town, and insisted it was a result of the hard work being carried out in training.
The German goalkeeper got a 90 minute run-out as a first-half goal from Marko Grujic and a late penalty from Alberto Moreno saw Jürgen Klopp’s side record another victory on Wednesday.
The Reds flew out to the USA for their pre-season tour immediately after the game at the John Smith's Stadium, and Karius feels another shutout shows the team are heading in the right direction.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: “[The clean sheet] It’s a good thing and it shows we are working well together, not just at the back but the whole team are working hard, and we have been doing some good work in training.
“[The intensity of the sessions] It’s not always easy but that’s how it should be because there’s something wrong if it’s easy in pre-season.
“That’s when you build everything up for the whole season so we have to work hard and keep it going.”
Reflecting on the win at Huddersfield, the former Mainz stopper - who made a brilliant save in the opening 45 minutes - admitted it was a thoroughly enjoyable outing.
“It’s good. I always enjoy getting game time on the pitch and the atmosphere tonight was great, a full stadium so a perfect night," he added.
“It’s always good to win. It wasn’t the perfect game all of the time from us but we managed to keep a clean sheet, score some goals so it’s a good result for us.”
The second 45 minutes saw 18-year-old Academy goalkeeper Shamal George enter the field as an emergency centre-forward after Lucas Leiva was forced off with an injury.
With the boyhood Liverpool fan the only substitute remaining, Klopp handed him his first-team bow - and his fellow custodian was suitably impressed.
“It was unbelievable and I think he did really well,” added Karius.
“He kept some good balls and played some good passes so it was good debut for him!"
Asked if he would ever consider playing outfield if the opportunity ever arose, Karius repied: “It would be a good experience so maybe one day.”