Jurgen Klopp has made it clear that despite Simon Mignolet’s yearnings for first-team football, the Belgian keeper’ will remain at the club for the foreseeable future, as reported by the Telegraph.
Liverpool’s options in goal are rapidly dwindling with veteran keeper Andy Lonergan being called up for the squad’s tour of the USA due to the unavailability of the club’s youth team keepers through injury and with Allison still on holiday after Brazil’s successful Copa America campaign.
Former Preston stopper Lonergan will provide emergency cover for Mignolet, who is currently the only senior keeper available to Klopp, and with the 35-year-old unlikely to be given a contract ahead of next season, it leaves Liverpool with very little cover ahead of their first Premier League game against Norwich.
The situation would become far more pressing an issue should Mignolet depart the club and as such, Klopp has stressed the importance of retaining the keeper’s services, with the German tactician seemingly reluctant to delve into the transfer market in order to find a solution.
Liverpool have previously entertained the idea of bringing in another keeper to play second fiddle to Allison, who has established himself as one of the world’s very best keeper’s over the past year. However, in targeting a keeper of considerable quality, the Reds have once again found themselves struggling to find someone who is willing to play only a handful of games per season.
Mignolet has consistently been commended by his teammates and his manager for displaying an exemplary attitude and work rate in the face of such a disparaging squad role, but the 31-year-old will certainly have attracted interest over the summer and Klopp is keen to emphasise how much he values Mignolet’s service to the club in order to stave off potential suitors.
Asked about whether Mignolet will stay at the club, Klopp said:
Yes. I would say, yes. I have had a lot of conversations with him in the last couple of years and months. We spoke before we left (for the summer break). It is because at a club like Liverpool you need two number ones, at least, in the club. That’s cool with Ali and Simon. A good situation for the club and a situation you should have. Everything is fine from my point of view.
As of now, Klopp has been able to ensure Mignolet doesn’t become unsettled by his diminishing importance to the team, but with a view to ensuring the progression of his own career, it is yet to be seen whether Mignolet will be undeterred by the increasing speculation surrounding his future.
