Former Mainz 05 coach surprised by Loris Karius's progress with Liverpool

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 04 April 2018

Former coach surprised by Karius progress

Former Mainz 05 coach Kasper Hjulmand suggests that he is surprised that Loris Karius has established himself as first-choice goalkeeper at Liverpool.

Former Mainz 05 coach Kasper Hjulmand has revealed that he has been left impressed by Loris Karius's development at Liverpool.

Between May 2014 and February 2015, Hjulmand endured a disappointing spell with the German side at a time when the Dane spent time working with Karius.

Hjulmand has claimed that Karius's footwork was not good enough to join a big club like Liverpool, but has praised the stopper for coping with the criticism that he has received during his time in English football.

The 45-year-old is quoted by Tipsbladet as saying: "In Mainz, it was not written in the sun, moon and stars for me that he would end up in a big club like Liverpool. He has a wonderful mental strength, and he has not been influenced by the kinds he has received.

"At that time, I thought his game with his feet was a bit too bad and that he was a little too much on flat feet, but I can see that he has developed it really fine without ever increasing his strength."

Karius has made 38 appearances for the Merseyside giants since moving to Anfield ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.