If there was any doubt that Liverpool are looking to replace incumbent shot-stopper Simon Mignolet, than the Belgian dropping to the bench for yesterday’s defeat at the hands of bitter rivals Manchester United in favour of understudy Brad Jones will more than clarify their precarious situation.
Reds boss Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that the former Sunderland man will be benched for an “indefinite” number of matches in favour of the Australian. “I felt I had to change it because we have to find solutions throughout the squad to be better. I said to Simon that it’s for an indefinite period.” said the Northern Irishman when asked about his decision. “It can sometimes happen to a keeper where you come out of the firing line and it can help you and allow you time to reflect.”
Liverpool have made no secret of their desire to bring in competition for the struggling Mignolet, with the Merseysiders linked to a number of high profile replacements. Although the agent of Petr Cech has ruled out the veteran ‘keeper leaving Chelsea this winter, the likes of Stoke’s Asmir Begovic and Serie A side Genoa’s budding shot-stopper Mattia Perin have been linked to the Anfield outfit with increasing regularity.
While the rumour mill will no doubt continue to roll along as we approach the January transfer window, for the time being, Rodgers is prepared to give Jones an extended run in the side — including their all important League Cup quarter-final meeting with AFC Bournemouth midweek. “He had a couple of saves and punches in front of him and he took them well, but I just felt that I needed to make the change. I felt that Brad, in my first year [as Liverpool manager], when he had to play quite a lot of games he came in and did well for me” explained the Reds manager. “Brad’s a very capable keeper so he was always going to play in the Bournemouth game anyway.”
