Liverpool’s second choice goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has vowed to stay at Anfield and fight his way back to being the first choice under Jurgen Klopp.
Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been ousted from the number one spot by summer signing Loris Karius. The 28-year-old was recently questioned about this and he stated that he was not willing to accept a place as the second choice.
“I’ve never been on the bench in my career!'” the Belgian goalkeeper told Dutch channel TV Limburg. “I don’t want that and I won’t accept it either. I will keep fighting to return as the first-choice goalkeeper.”
Mignolet may not be pleased at his current situation, but the former Sunderland goalkeeper also stated that he wasn’t considering a move away from Anfield just yet.
“It’s not right (to suggest leaving Liverpool) – that’s for the future,” he added. “I am fully focused on Liverpool.”
Mignolet started the season in goal for the Reds as Loris Karius was ruled out for more than a month with a broken hand. The Belgian didn’t make any glaring errors, but clearly didn’t do enough to convince Klopp that he deserved an extended run in the first team.
Karius was back in the starting XI as soon as he recovered. Mignolet has since made just the one appearance for Liverpool — in the League Cup game against Spurs. Klopp stated ahead of that game that Karius would remain his number one.
Based on the current situation, it would take significant mistakes from Karius or an injury to the German for Mignolet to get a look in. The Reds have now found some rhythm and are on top of the Premier League table. As such, Klopp isn’t likely to tweak the starting XI at this point in time.
Even though Mignolet has stated his desire to stay at Liverpool, his role in the squad at this point is as a back-up for the first choice goalkeeper. If Mignolet wants more regular playing time, then the best thing for him to do is to seek a move away from Anfield.
