Mignolet: My honest chat with the boss
Simon Mignolet has explained how an honest conversation with Brendan Rodgers provided motivation and perspective during his period out of the Liverpool line-up.
Having previously started every league fixture for the Reds since his arrival in the summer of 2013, the Belgian goalkeeper was replaced by Brad Jones at Manchester United.
He watched from the sidelines at Bournemouth and for the home clash with Arsenal too, before beginning the Boxing Day contest against Burnley among the substitutes.
However, a thigh injury for Jones on the quarter-hour at Turf Moor demanded a contribution from Mignolet, who recorded a crucial clean sheet in a 1-0 victory.
With Swansea City providing the latest opposition at Anfield tonight as Liverpool look to sign off 2014 in positive fashion, the custodian is adopting an upbeat mentality.
The outlook was borne out of a frank discussion with Rodgers following his removal from the side, which allowed the No.22 to reflect at length on the areas he can improve.
"He told me the day before the United game and then you focus on the team and making sure everybody is ready for the match," Mignolet said.
"We spoke together in the days after that game, cleared up a few things and I think that was a positive discussion. I will not discuss what we said, but it was an honest meeting from both sides.
"That is always a positive thing. The negative thing was going out of the team but you try to make it a positive and that is what I am trying to do.
"It is always difficult to accept losing your place at first, but then you have time to reflect on it.
"Sometimes, like the manager said, you can reflect on certain things when you are out of the team because during the busy periods we have had you maybe don't get a chance to look at things when you are playing all the time.
"That is what I have done in this period, together with the goalkeeper coach [John Achterberg] and the gaffer - and you learn a lot.
"I know what I have to work on and if you are a 26-year-old goalkeeper, everything in your game can still be improved. I will be working hard every day and looking forward to the next game.
"I don't feel like I have to prove anything. The only thing I have to do is work hard in every game and do my best. All I can do is show on the pitch what I am capable of."