Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
SOLANKE’S WELL RED ON HISTORY
JURGEN KLOPP has put Simon Mignolet on tenterhooks by claiming the No.1 spot at Liverpool is bang up for grabs.
Klopp says Mignolet’s rivals Loris Karius and Wales international Danny Ward will be given ample opportunity to impress during preseason.
The Belgian must prove himself to Klopp again, despite showing his best form during Liverpool’s successful run-in last season when he kept four successive clean sheets.
Klopp reckons that competition between his golkeepers brings out the best in them.
“It’s a very comfortable position for the manager to have three really good goalkeepers,” said the Reds boss.
“Nothing is decided, they can all show how good they are.
“They are at a fantastic club and a fantastic football club needs fantastic goalkeepers.”
Karius came in for Mignolet midway through last season but hardly covered himself in glory.
“Yes, it was a bit difficult for Loris, but I’m sure he played a part in the development of Simon, who played a really good season,” said Klopp. “And
Danny had a fantastic season at Huddersfield.
“We have three goalkeepers and they can all show what they are capable of – then we will see who will start.”
Karius played 11 games before losing his starting place to Mignolet in December following a string of high-profile errors.
But the German says he wants the No.1 spot back.
The 24-year-old, a
£4.7million buy from Mainz last summer, says he’s learned from his first campaign at
Anfield and vowed to improve next season.
“I didn’t have an easy first season with a bit of a struggle and injuries,” he said. “Now I want to prove myself and win the shirt back. Even in the negative spell, I took positives and learned a lot that was new to me.
“I feel strong mentally and also on the pitch. I want to prove myself.
“It’s good to have competition and good for the club to have three strong goalkeepers. I’m sure we’ll try to push each other in training. Everyone will try to be at their best.”