Although talks are underway with Liverpool over a new contract, with the busy holiday period just around the corner, Reds ‘keeper Simon Mignolet is choosing to focus on racking up the points rather than hashing out the finer points of his new deal with the Anfield outfit.
“I’m not really concerning myself about the new contract,” the Belgian ‘keeper told the Liverpool ECHO. “The games are coming thick and fast and that’s the only thing that matters at the moment. But of course I’m happy at Liverpool and I want to stay here for a long time. My missus works in Knutsford and enjoys life in the North West,” continued Mignolet, before adding, “I am enjoying working with the boss, with [goalkeeping coach John Achterberg] and with the other lads.”
Despite cementing his place in the starting eleven after being dropped at this time last year, there have been suggestions that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp will look to replace the former Sunderland shot-stopper in the near future with both pundits and ex-players alike highly critical of the 27-year old. That, of course, has been refuted by the Reds manager with him playing down links in the media to Stoke City ‘keeper Jack Butland and throwing his substantial backing behind his goalie — something Mignolet says has upped his confidence.
“It was obviously nice to hear the manager say so openly in public that he’s behind you,” said the Belgian. “I knew that already as he had spoken with me. You know what he’s about and what he likes. But there’s a difference between him saying it just to you and saying it to the outside world,” he explained. “It gives you a lot of confidence and it’s nice to hear. But by the same token it doesn’t mean anything because you have to keep showing on the pitch what you can do. I’ll keep working hard to improve.”
