Langerak, who turned 30 last week, has been a key player as J1 League side Nagoya Grampus have turned their season around in recent weeks, and looks like a lock-in for next week’s training camp in Turkey where new coach Graham Arnold will get his first chance to assess the talent at his disposal ahead of January’s AFC Asian Cup.
Former Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart and Levante man Langerak is relishing life in Japan, where even the bashful shot-stopper admits he’s been “quietly surprised” by his spellbinding form.
Six wins on the bounce have propelled Nagoya off the foot of the J1 table to 13th, and talk of relegation is receding fast.
“I’ve never seen anything like it, considering how we struggled at the start of the season,” said Langerak.
“Everything went against us and now things are going for us. It’s been a massive turn-around.
“We’re unbeaten in seven and, as any footballer knows, when you're winning it just tends to carry on. And when you’re losing it’s the same way.
“Being able to make a lot of saves in a team that was under the pump, and being able to contribute to a revival, has been really satisfying.
“I think we’re on a good path now.”
Despite his feats in Japan, which have even attracted interest again in his former home of Germany, Langerak was taking nothing for granted over talk of a Socceroos return.
“If I’m selected (for the camp) I’ll be happy to be a part of it,” said the long-time deputy to Mat Ryan.
“You know how it is with a new coach, everybody starts from scratch. Fingers crossed I get the call.
“I’d love to be involved in the Asian Cup. It’s an exciting tournament and being involved last time it was amazing the hype around it and I’ll sure Australia will be the hunted when we defend it.”
Langerak gave an insight into his relationship with Ryan and Australia’s other keepers Danny Vukovic, Brad Jones and Adam Federici when he added: “I get on well with them all.
“To be honest, I think the days of having toxic relationships between goalkeepers is a thing of the past.
“You don’t see that anymore. I’ve not seen it. An unhealthy rivalry between goalkeepers is actually detrimental to the team.
“Maty is the undisputed number one, and rightfully so.
“Not only has his form been right up there recently (for club and country) but it’s been that way for basically for the last four or five years.
“He’s been developing each year and I’m happy for him ... happy to be supporting him and hopefully pushing him.
“The same goes for Vuka and the others. We’re pushing each other and trying to get the best out of each other.“
Despite the occasional questions by some over his career choices, Langerak, who has a three-year deal in Japan, has no recriminations. In fact, quite the opposite.
“There are not many players who go from the A-League to one of the biggest clubs in the world (Dortmund) at 21 and get straight into the first team squad,” he said.
“You’re never going to walk in and start playing straight away. It was difficult at times but I wouldn’t change a single thing the way things have gone in my career.
“I had seven years in Germany and four months in Spain. It was all a massive adventure and a learning curve.
“Sometimes I read things about ‘should’ve done that, should’ve done this’ but I have absolutely no regrets about what I’ve done.
“It would’ve been great to play 250 Bundesliga games but you can’t have it all.
“I’ll always treasure my time at Dortmund and Stuttgart and some of the massive games and massive moments at those clubs.
“I’m settled here in Japan and I’m totally over the moon with how I’ve been received here.
“The club have placed a lot of confidence in me and we’re on a good path together.”
