Liverpool open talks with Simon Mignolet over a new contract

Simon Mignolet and Liverpool have opened talks over a new contract at Anfield

LIVERPOOL have initiated talks with Simon Mignolet over a new contract in an endorsement of manager Jurgen Klopp’s rousing defence of the goalkeeper.

 

Mignolet’s deal has two years left to run at the end of this season, but in a surprise development contact has already been made with his representatives on an extension and an agreement is unlikely to prove complicated. 

The Belgium international will stand aside and be replaced by Adam Bogdan for tonight’s Capital One Cup quarter-final at Southampton, but his long-term future remains at Anfield.

He has found himself under intense pressure during various spells since arriving at Liverpool in June 2013 and was dropped by former manager Brendan Rodgers a year ago. 

However, Klopp ended any doubts over his position by dismissing suggestions he was looking to replace him.

 

England and Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland and Cologne’s Timo Horn have been linked.

“It is a good moment to talk about the goalkeepers at Liverpool,” said Klopp.

“I am absolutely satisfied with our goalkeeping situation. I am sorry to kill your stories about German goalkeepers and goalkeepers from Stoke.

“We are not looking for another goalkeeper. We have enough high-quality goalkeepers. 

 

“I’ve had a lot of goalkeepers over the last few years and Simon Mignolet is one of the smartest I have ever had. He is completely open and he’s young enough to develop, to improve.” 

Mignolet was penalised for holding onto the ball for 22 seconds against Bordeaux last week – the rules state six is the maximum – and was punished when the French scored from the indirect free-kick before losing 2-1.

“He’s a good football player,” said Klopp. “Everyone is watching for a second Manuel Neuer or something, but he is in a really good way.

“We just have to learn as a team to give the ball to the keeper in the right situation. Our goalkeeping situation is a comfortable one and I hope it stays like this.”

Klopp has been overwhelmingly positive about the squad he inherited upon his appointment last month, but the new deal for Mignolet would add substance to the comments.

 

Nathaniel Clyne insists Jurgen Klopp has made him more confident in his ability

Nathaniel Clyne, who returns to St Mary’s for the first time since his £10million move to Liverpool, also offered an insight into the German’s man-management.

“He’s tried to make me more confident in my ability as a player to go and express myself,” said Clyne.

“He’s said don’t hold back and keep going forward.

“When you come to a new club you may hold back, but now I’ve played a few games I can take more risks. I can go out there and express myself and because he has confidence in you, if you lose the ball you don’t worry but just go again.”

Liverpool will include Jordan Henderson and Daniel Sturridge in their travelling squad, but must check on Philippe Coutinho as they endeavour to reach the final at Wembley.

Klopp has won six of his last seven games, but his perfectionist ways were evident as he sought to downplay Liverpool’s improvement under him.

He added: “I would really like to change my personality, but I can’t forget this loss against Crystal Palace! If we had won this, maybe then I would have said it was okay.”