Simon Mignolet has come under a lot of criticism of late, but reports from Liverpool suggest that the Belgian goalkeeper is set to get a contract extension from Liverpool FC boss Jurgen Klopp.
Mignolet’s form has not been anything to be proud of, as the Reds have conceded 15 goals from 14 matches this season. However, Liverpool FC seem to be ready to give Mignolet a new contract extension, according to local newspaper Liverpool Echo.
There have been rumours linking the Merseysiders with a move for Stoke City keeper Jack Butland. Some of the rumours have also suggested that Klopp might be trying to lure one of the bright young prospects from Germany to try their luck between the posts at Anfield. However, the former Borussia Dortmund manager has quashed all these rumours by praising the Belgian international on Tuesday.
a It is a good moment to talk about the goalkeepers at Liverpool,a Klopp was quoted saying. a I am absolutely satisfied with our goalkeeping situation. I am sorry to kill your stories about German goalkeepers and goalkeepers from Stoke.
a We are not looking for another goalkeeper. We have enough high quality goalkeepers. Ia ve had a lot of goalkeepers over the years and Simon Mignolet is one of the smartest I have ever have.”
A bunch of Mignolet’s critics have especially jumped at the opportunity to have a go at him after he held on to the ball for 22 seconds in the Europa League match against Bordeaux FC, as the referee awarded the French side an indirect free kick from inside the box from which they scored.
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Although Liverpool FC won the match 2-1, things could have taken a bad turn from a simple mistake like that, which is why Mignolet has been criticised a lot lately. However, in spite of all the criticism, the Belgian is joint third in terms of clean sheets in the Premier League this season (five), and has the highest number of clean sheets in the calendar year of 2015 (14).
a Hea s not had the easiest situation before I came here, but since I have been here there has been nothing to criticise, absolutely nothing,” said Klopp. a Hea s a good football player. Everyone is watching for a second Manuel Neuer or something, but he is in a really good way.a
Mignolet to be benched for the Southampton game
Klopp is set to bench his no. 1 goalkeeper — in spite of all the praise — against Southampton FC in the quarter final of the League Cup. However, this is not a reflection on the Belgian’s performance. Klopp has the tendency of giving the second choice keepers a chance in the cup games, and Mignolet’s understudy Adam Bogdan is set to pull on his gloves against Southampton FC.