Loris Karius is set to make his Newcastle debut in remarkable circumstances this Sunday in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.
The 29-year-old has been thrust into the spotlight after Nick Pope found himself suspended for the showpiece event, while Martin Dubravka is cup-tied having played in the Carabao Cup for Manchester United earlier this term.
A number of Newcastle fans have seen their nerves ahead of the Carabao Cup final intensify with Karius set to start, as the German’s last competitive appearance for an English side was his disastrous 2018 Champions League final outing for Liverpool.
Now – thanks to The Athletic – we have been given some insight about Karius at Newcastle.
What’s the story?
Well, in a detailed feature ahead of the Carabao Cup final, The Athletic reveal what Newcastle’s squad think of Karius.
It is said that the 29-year-old is a popular figure amongst his teammates on Tyneside, despite the fact he is yet to make a competitive appearance for the Magpies.
The Athletic state that Karius is regarded as a positive, calming presence by those at Newcastle, despite the fact he often keeps himself to himself and is far from a loudmouth.
While many will still be concerned by his goalkeeping ability after what happened in Kiev back in 2018, this should provide some Newcastle fans with a crumb of comfort.
Newcastle players must support Karius
From now until Sunday’s Carabao Cup final, the Newcastle squad need to be filling Karius with confidence.
The German’s mental health took a beating after that 2018 Champions League final, as vile abuse was aimed at him following his role in Karim Benzema’s opener and Gareth Bale’s second goal.
Since then, what seemed to be a promising career has fizzled out, as loan spells at Beşiktaş and Union Berlin have failed to evoke a turnaround.
Therefore, Howe and the Newcastle squad must get behind Karius, as he prepares for his shot at redemption in English football.
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