Mignolet working hard to repay Klopp's faith
Simon Mignolet says he has been boosted by a show of support from Jürgen Klopp but will keep working tirelessly to ensure he stays in the manager's good books.
The Belgian has featured regularly since Klopp was appointed in October and was recently spoken of in glowing terms by the former Borussia Dortmund coach.
The boss said of his first-choice shot-stopper: "I’ve had a lot of goalkeepers over 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 won't be resting on his laurels after hearing such high praise, however, as he understands the importance of keeping focused to ensure his level does not drop.
"It was obviously nice to hear the manager say so openly in public that he’s behind you," the 27-year-old told the Liverpool Echo.
"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.
"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.
"I’m not really concerning myself about the new contract. 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.
"I am enjoying working with the boss, with John [Achterberg] and with the other lads."
Mignolet again featured in the starting XI as the Reds drew 0-0 with FC Sion on Thursday to secure top spot in their Europa League group.
Although it was a welcome clean sheet for the goalkeeper, the stalemate represented the second successive match in which Klopp's team failed to register a goal.
But the return of Philippe Coutinho, a second-half substitute in Switzerland, should help alleviate that problem, according to the No.22.
"It was great to have Philippe back," he added.
"He can roam between those lines, collect some balls and make something happen. That’s what we’ve been missing for a few games now.
"It’s always good to have players back fit. Jordan (Henderson) also played after a long time out injured and will be better for that.
"When you play against these type of teams it can be difficult. Sion were well organised and played on the counter attack.
"They sat back and we have to try to find the solutions to create chances.
"With Philippe coming back, we’ve got a lot of creativity in those kind of spaces and that’s something we need.
"They are different games compared to when you go away to big teams and they give you the opportunity to play. We have to find a way in these type of games when they sit back.
"Sunday will probably be similar. West Brom will look to be dangerous on the counter attack and maybe with a set-piece."