Simon Mignolet’s reply when asked if he could leave Liverpool in January

Simon Mignolet insists that he has not thought about leaving Liverpool in the January transfer window.

Simon Mignolet has insisted that he is not thinking about a potential transfer away from Liverpool in January despite his lack of playing time this season.

The goalkeeper has found his first-team opportunities at Anfield limited this season following the arrival of Loris Karius from Mainz in the summer transfer window.

Karius has been Jurgen Klopp’s first choice goalkeeper between the posts since returning from a broken hand at the start of the season.

But despite Mignolet clearly having a fight on his hands to earn a place back in the starting line-up, the Belgian has insisted that he has not thought about leaving Liverpool in January.

Speaking in an interview with Limburg TV, Mignolet said: “It’s not right [to suggest leaving Liverpool] – that’s for the future.

“I am fully focused on Liverpool.”

Liverpool are currently one point clear at the top of the Premier League table after 11 games so far this season.

The Reds take on Southampton at St Mary’s in their next top-flight game this weekend.

You can get 9/1 enhanced odds on Arsenal to beat Man United on Saturday. Click here and follow the instructions to profit now. T&Cs apply.

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Jurgen Klopp urged to bring back Simon Mignolet to Liverpool starting XI

Jurgen Klopp has been urged to start Simon Mignolet between the sticks for Manchester United's visit to Anfield on 17 October after the German manager chose to play summer signing Loris Karius in Liverpool's last three games.

Former Liverpool forward John Aldridge wants to see Mignolet return to the starting XI and believes the German goalkeeper is still not experienced enough to play on a regular basis for the Reds. The Belgium international started the season in fine form, but was dropped following Karius' return from injury as Klopp was keen to evaluate the best choice going forward in the season.

The 23-year-old German, who joined from Mainz in the summer, proved reliable during the three games against Derby County, Hull City and Swansea City, but questions remain if he is the better choice when the Red Devils visit after the international break on 17 October.

"Jurgen Klopp faces an interesting decision over who to play in goal against Manchester United in a fortnight. Loris Karius has been given his chance in the last three games, but on the evidence so far could you say he is better than Simon Mignolet?" Aldridge wrote in his column for the Liverpool Echo.

"Karius is only a young lad. He's going to need time and he has looked a bit nervy from what I've seen. He's conceded from two corners on the bounce and some of his distribution, which we've been led to believe is a strong point, has not exactly been fantastic.

"Klopp said he would assess the goalkeeping situation during the international break having given both players an opportunity. And for me, I'd say while Karius could come good one day, Mignolet should be between the sticks at this moment in time," he added.

Apart from the goalkeeping situation Aldridge also has concerns with regards to Liverpool's ability during set pieces both 'for and against'. He admits that it could be a concern for the manager as they have failed to make most of their opportunities against other teams, while have been caught out on more than one occasion this season.

"One of the big negatives for me remains set plays – both for and against," the former Reds striker added.

"I mentioned a few weeks ago that we have started to look a bit more dominant at corners following the introduction of Joel Matip. But we were caught out by a deep corner to the far post, and we're still vulnerable in that area.

"Last year we were exposed far too often at set plays, and our corners at the other end have not got much better. We should be making more from these opportunities. It'll still be a concern for the manager."

EPL preview: Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool look decisive and exciting, but still need a marquee name

The manager is building his team the way he wants it.

Liverpool FC, the most successful English side in European competition, has been a shadow of its former self for long. A far cry from the squad that dominated the game in the 1970s and 1980s, the Reds of recent years have been stuck in a loop of inconsistency and mediocrity that has appeared difficult to break out of.

The 2015-2016 season was no different. An uninspired and strangely incoherent player recruitment strategy, thanks in part to the much maligned transfer committee, meant that the club started the year devoid of an identity.

While the Reds did bring in the industrious James Milner and flamboyant Brazilian Roberto Firmino, the summer transfer window will also be infamous for the ill-advised signing of Belgian forward Christian Benteke – a decent goal-scorer in his own way, but lacking the movement or agility of others around him.

With a team deficient in ideas, character and tactical nous, it came as no surprise that results didn’t go Liverpool’s way and eventually got manager Brendan Rodgers the sack. The signing of former Borussia Dortmund head coach Jürgen Klopp as his replacement was a huge statement of intent from the team’s owners, Fenway Sports Group. It sparked a revival of sorts, yet inconsistency remained.

Klopp’s arrival ushered in a new brand of “heavy metal” football that was easy on the eyes and helped contribute to some much-needed positivity. But memorable wins over Borussia Dortmund, Norwich City and Manchester United did little to mask the team’s failure in two cup finals and a disappointing 8th place finish in the league. At best, Liverpool FC’s 2015-2016 season was a mixed bag.

Setting things right

But Klopp had promised fans exciting football; and there were signs aplenty. Breathtaking movement, incessant pressing and last-gasp goals: Liverpool played with a swagger that few fans could have seen coming. But while the moves dazzled, the team often failed to deliver the knockout punch. The Europa League final especially, where the team spectacularly threw away a 1-0 lead to lose 1-3 against Sevilla FC, was hard to digest.

This defeat, and others before it, was down to two things: the lack of a pre-season camp and the personnel.

The pre-season training camp is an approximately two-month period before the start of the football season that is considered an important aspect of preparation. It is where the manager gets to impress his style and tactics on the squad. Klopp had taken over Liverpool in October and had had no time to instruct his players in the art of his preferred “Gegenpress” – a unique tactic that involves regaining possession immediately after losing the ball.

Secondly, Klopp was operating with a team he had inherited from the previous manager. While one can only imagine the calibre of players he would have attracted if he were to have been in charge of the club earlier, Klopp has been largely forgiven for his squad’s inconsistent results owing to the personnel he had at his disposal. Square pegs in round holes, it was said – a squad of misfits trying to deliver against all odds.

Klopp obviously had his work cut out going into the new season

Throwing out the dead wood

With the club’s forward line buzzing with talent, Klopp was quick to turn his attention to what the squad lacked – stability in defence and goals from midfield.

As Leicester City FC and Chelsea FC have shown, a solid defence can be the backbone of a title-winning campaign. After securing the future of talented but erratic goalkeeper Simon Mignolet on a five-year contract, Klopp brought in young German shot-stopper Loris Karius from FSV Mainz 05 as his competition. Former Arsenal keeper Alex Manninger has been brought in as experienced cover for the two.

Having already signed the highly rated 20-year old Serbian midfielder Marko Grujic from Red Star Belgrade in January, Klopp moved for towering Cameroon centre back Joël Matip from Schalke 04. Replacing the outgoing Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure, the team added some much needed experience in defence with Estonian national Ragnar Klavan.

However, the failure to sign Germany’s World Cup hero Mario Götze from Bayern Munich, and youngster Mahmoud Dahoud from Borussia Monchengladbach made the club realise that it would not be easy attracting the best talent without Champions League football.

But the directness he craved seems to have been found in the signing of midfielders Sadio Mane and Georginio Wijnaldum from Southampton and Newcastle, respectively. Mane is known for his blistering speed and menacing movement which he put to good use in Liverpool’s 4-0 victory over Barcelona on Saturday. Wijnaldum is a central midfielder with a knack of taking up goal-scoring positions behind the opposition defence.

And their numbers speak for themselves. Mane and Wijnaldum scored 11 goals each in the league last season. Roberto Firmino – who often played as a striker – was the only Liverpool player to hit double digits.

These purchases have been offset by the sales of a number of players deemed surplus to requirement. Joe Allen, who had an impressive Euro 2016, was recently sold to Stoke City. Jordan Ibe and Australian full back Brad Smith joined AFC Bournemouth in search of regular first team football.

The Reds also saw the departure of fringe players such as Jose Enrique, Samed Yesil and Ryan McLaughlin. Others, including the likes of Lucas Leiva, Christian Benteke and Mario Balotelli, are expected to leave too.

But perhaps the most important deal for the club this season has been the long-term contract for Jürgen Klopp and his staff members Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz. It is a sign that the club’s owners believe in Klopp’s vision and are willing to let him plan a greater blueprint for the club’s success.

Blanks yet to be filled

In a welcome change from seasons past, the club has shown a decisiveness with its targets in the transfer market. Completing signings early, ensuring a complete pre-season for all players, and allowing them the time to imbibe Klopp’s methods sets the team up nicely for the new season. But there do exist a number of positions that need strengthening.

After some dreadful defensive showings, left back Alberto Moreno should feel lucky to not find himself transfer-listed. But with Brad Smith sold and Jon Flanagan out on loan, there is a serious lack of cover for the full backs. Leicester’s Ben Chilwell, Aston Villa’s Jordan Amavi and FC Köln’s Jonas Hector have all been linked with a move, but the lack of European competition at Anfield this year means there is no certainty on who the club may sign next.

The absence of a specialist defensive midfielder – the lack of an upgrade on Brazilian Lucas Leiva – is also a cause for concern. With Emre Can being only midfielder capable of playing that role, there is a fear that an injury could lead to a midfield crisis.

Setting expectations

Klopp recently said that he was “pleased with the quality” of the squad and was looking forward to challenging on three fronts: the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup.

And while the lack of a marquee signing – a world-class addition along the likes of names others in the Premier League have recently acquired – may be a cause for worry, a look at Klopp’s record at Dortmund should provide some reassurance. He is known to make stars instead of buying them.

Whether this turns out to be Liverpool’s year or the long wait for a Premier League title continues remains to be seen. But if the pegs do match the holes, expect creative flair, untiring running and some heavy metal football courtesy the new band now playing at Liverpool FC.

Sunderland's Most Expensive Team

The transfer window is set to officially open on Friday, with Sunderland looking to invest in a squad full of deadwood. With fans longing for Ellis Short to dig deep into his pocket, Chris Sparks looks at the Black Cats’ most expensive squad in the club’s history prior to last season.

Sunderland look likely to break their transfer record this summer, with astronomical fees being quoted across the market, partly attributed to Brexit and partly due to the large television deals that struck the English game this summer.

The Black Cats have already reportedly offered £14-million for Roma striker Edin Dzeko, whilst large sums are regularly quoted for players such as Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho.

However, with a big price tag, quality does not always follow. Below is a list of the most expensive eleven in Sunderland’s history, prior to last season, going position-by-position using a traditional 4-4-2 formation.

(GK) Craig Gordon

The Scot was Roy Keane’s record transfer during his time at the club. Gordon arrived with a big reputation north of the border, impressing for both club and country. The 33-year-old made just 88 appearances for us in five years, which judging by my calculator is £102,000 per game - hardly an ideal investment. Gordon showed glimpses of class, including a truly outstanding save against Bolton Wanderers, however, injuries played their part and we ended up losing Gordon for nothing as his career looked to be over. In typical Sunderland fashion, Gordon made a full recovery after his release, and has now established himself as Scotland and Celtic’s first choice.

(RB) Stephen Wright

Yes, you have read that correctly. Stephen Wright is our most expensive right-back in the club’s history at three million pounds.

Bought from his hometown club Liverpool by Peter Reid, Wright went on to make 92 appearances for the Black Cats and even bagged two goals. In what has become a Wearside tradition, Sunderland released Wright, recouping zero of their investment on the defender, who actually had somewhat of a cult fan base amongst the Stadium of Light faithful. Wright impressed in the Championship under Mick McCarthy, but sadly this was the pinnacle of his Sunderland career.

(CB) Anton Ferdinand

He may look like his older brother Rio, but Anton certainly didn’t play like him. Roy Keane signed him from West Ham United for eight million pounds, and branded the youngster as a ‘future England international’. Keane was incorrect. Ferdinand would make eighty-five appearances for Sunderland in three years, with the highlight being a ridiculous Michael Jackson inspired celebration for his disallowed goal against Tottenham Hotspur.

Surprisingly, we managed to recoup some of the transfer fee that we had invested, when QPR kindly took Ferdinand off our hands in 2011 for £4.5-million. Ferdinand is now without a club having left Reading at the end of last season.

(CB) John O’Shea

The formidable pairing of O’Shea and Ferdinand is finally a reality; Having played alongside Anton’s brother at Manchester United, O’Shea finally gets to play beside Anton too thanks to Roker Report.

O’Shea has been a loyal servant to us since arriving for five million pounds in 2011, serving as a leader both on and off the field. O’Shea may have his fair share of critics but in terms of value for money, I would say the Irish skipper is the first to provide that in this XI. With the 35-year-old entering the final months of his deal, we could well be seeing the last of O’Shea in red and white this season.

(LB) George McCartney

The Northern Irishman completes a UK backline. When McCartney re-joined Sunderland from West Ham in 2008 for £5.5-million, Black Cats fans, myself included, were delighted. I remembered the days of McCartney and Julio Arca dominating the left-hand side of the Sunderland side during the early 2000s. However, he fell out of favour under a number of different managers during a four-year spell, tarnishing the memories from his first spell at the club, departing on a free transfer after just forty-one games.

(RM) Adam Johnson

Despite the well publicised departure from the club earlier this year, Johnson was once a key figure in our side. The ten million pounds arrival from Manchester City came with a reputation for his flair and pace, however, what Sunderland received was an inconsistent player who liked the lifestyle more than the game itself, with 19 goals in 122 games a poor return for such a heavy investment. Johnson was slowly establishing himself as a derby day hero, with four goals against Newcastle during his time on Wearside, however, the manner of his departure will leave a sour taste amongst Sunderland fans for many years.

(CM) Jack Rodwell

Another ten million man purchased from Manchester City, Rodwell has been just as poor. Once described as the future of English football, Rodwell’s fall from grace has been nothing short of astonishing. A lack of confidence and work ethic has made the former Everton man an easy target for Sunderland fans. However, four goals in 45 games is a truly woeful record in red and white, with Rodwell looking like the latest in a string of names who the Black Cats will make a heavy loss from.

(CM) Emanuele Giaccherini

Serie A winner, Italian international and a mainstay in the Juventus side, Emanuele Giaccherini arrived at Sunderland with quite a reputation. This one still puzzles me. It’s hard to say where it has gone wrong on Wearside for the £6.5-million man, with the little Italian never really impressing on Wearside despite a decent record of four goals in 32 games, with the majority of these as a substitute. Despite, Giaccherini still being on the books, it looks as though he will return to Italy this summer for a cut-price of what we paid for him. Typical.

(LM) Stephane Sessegnon

Sess was a rare successful investment from Sunderland, with the Benin international arriving from PSG for £6-million in 2011 under Steve Bruce. 17 goals in 87 games for the Black Cats saw the alleged love child of Messi and Pele become a fan favourite on Wearside. After a falling out with Paolo Di Canio, Sessegnon left for West Brom for £6.5-million in 2013, scoring against Sunderland on his debut.

The 32-year-old is now without a club - a Wearside return, anyone?

(ST) Steven Fletcher

Yes, Sunderland paid £12-million for Steven Fletcher, and yes, we let him leave on a free transfer. The Scot is one of those players that I could not warm to, his attitude annoyed me. His lack of effort and passion after Martin O’Neil left the club was borderline criminal, with Fletcher scoring a pathetic 23 goals in just under 100 games on Wearside, with almost half of those goals coming in his first season.

Sunderland fans will be pleased to see the back of the former Hibernian man, who is now on the lookout for a new club, and he will get one, providing he drops his ludicrous wage demands.

(ST) Asamoah Gyan

Sunderland’s record transfer fee was paid in the summer of 2011 when Steve Bruce signed Asamoah Gyan for £13-million. The charismatic Ghanaian bagged eleven goals in 37 games for Sunderland during his short stint at the club. Sadly for Sunderland, Gyan chose financial benefits over his career aspirations.

Gyan left for Al-Ain for a fee totalling around £15-million, where he became one of the highest paid footballers on the planet. Now plying his trade in China for £227,000 per week, it is hard to argue against Gyan’s decision to leave Wearside, although you can’t help but think about how could he could’ve been in red and white stripes.

Bench:

- (GK) Simon Mignolet - £2-million

- (DEF) Kieran Richardson - £5.5-million

- (DEF) Michael Turner- £4.5-million

- (MID) Craig Gardner - £6-million

- (MID) Lorik Cana - £5-million

- (ST) Connor Wickham - £8-million

- (ST) Darren Bent - £10-million

Squad total - £129-million.

Simon Mignolet looking forward to pre-season with Jurgen Klopp

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet believes the Reds’ first pre-season under Jurgen Klopp will stand them in good stead ahead of the 2016/17 campaign.

With Klopp not taking over from Brendan Rodgers until October last year, the 48-year-old is set to enjoy his first summer at Anfield.

A relentless run of fixtures last season meant that time on the training ground was limited, with Klopp averaging approximately a game every four days as manager.

Mignolet believes that pre-season will be hugely beneficial, in terms of learning more of Klopp’s tactics, and says he is looking forward to the International Champions Cup tournament in July and August.

“The gaffer wants us to work really hard in preparation for next season to make sure we are fit and can deal with the intensity and his demands,” Mignolet told Goal.

“We weren’t able to train much with all the games we played – the matches were like our training – so this gives him a chance to spend more time working on everything he expects from us.

“In the gaffer’s seven months here we’ve seen that we’re heading in the right direction and in pre-season he can put his stamp more so on us and implement his thinking more.

“Those games in the ICC against such big teams is the best sort of preparation. It will be a great workout and something to look forward to.”

Mignolet will be desperate to prove his worth to Klopp in pre-season, particularly after the recent signing of fellow goalkeeper Loris Karius.

The 22-year-old German has made it clear that he is after Mignolet’s place in the Liverpool team, following his move from £4.7million move from Mainz.

“Competition is just part of a big club like this,” he told Sport Bild.

“I want to become the No. 1, have success with Liverpool and play in Europe as soon as possible. Those are my goals.”

Pre-season promises to be a fascinating one at Anfield, with plenty of incomings and outgoings expected, and a number of eye-catching matches to look forward to.

LFC Pre-Season Dates:

July 8 – Tranmere Rovers (a) 7pm BST
July 13 – Fleetown Town (a) 7pm BST
July 17 – Wigan Athletic (a) 4pm BST
July 20 – Huddersfield Town (a) 7.45pm BST
July 27 – Chelsea (Rose Bowl; Pasadena) 8:30pm PST (4.30am BST, July 28)
July 30 – AC Milan (Levi’s Stadium; Santa Clara) 7pm PST (3am BST, July 31)
Aug 1 – Roma (Busch Stadium; St. Louis) 7.30pm CT (1.30am BST, Aug 2)
Aug 6 – Barcelona (Wembley) 5pm BST
Aug 13 – Premier League season starts.

Simon Mignolet: Concedes one in victory

NEWS UPDATE

Mignolet made two saves and conceded once in Sunday's 4-1 victory over Stoke City.

ROTOWIRE FANTASY ANALYSIS

Mignolet had a mostly quiet day, only really being troubled on set pieces. Mignolet has had a bit of an up-and-down season, partially owing to shaky defending at the back and due to his own inconsistencies; however, Liverpool seems to be finding their form at the right time. After a mid-week visit from Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League, Liverpool travel to Bournemouth for their next Premier League clash.

More Simon Mignolet News from RotoWire.com

WATCH: Simon Mignolet, be warned, Shinji Kagawa has got some magic up his sleeve

Borussia Dortmund need to score at Anfield, this much we know.

Liverpool would have taken the 1-1 draw at the Westfalenstadion prior to kick-off on Thursday night but, in reality, they could have put the tie beyond Dortmund in the first leg.

The priorities of Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel became clear as he made eight changes for his side's 2-2 draw at Schalke on Sunday afternoon but Shinji Kagawa may well have played his way into his starting eleven for next Thursday's second leg.

The Japanese international started at the weekend, having played no part in the Europa League three days earlier but he could be called upon against Liverpool after opening the scoring against Schalke in stunning circumstances.

Just after half-time, Kagawa led a Dortmund attack before playing the ball into the feet of Moritz Leitner who deftly flicked it back into the path of the former Manchester United midfielder.

Kagawa arrived at the lay-off at pace but, rather than smash it, he delicately dinked the ball into the top corner.

Simon Mignolet, you've been warned.

Simon Mignolet: Concedes four in nine goal thriller.

NEWS UPDATE

Mignolet conceded four goals and made just one save in Liverpool's 4-5 win against Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday.

ROTOWIRE FANTASY ANALYSIS

Mignolet penned an extension to his contract this week but, on this performance, you shouldn't take that as a guarantee that he will be Liverpool's number one beyond the summer. Apart from conceding four, he flapped at a couple of crosses and, overall, did not instill much confidence in the defenders in front of him. Expect big changes in the summer but, before then, don't be surprised to see Danny Ward, who was recalled from his successful loan spell at Aberdeen, challenge him for the number one jersey.

Simon Mignolet angers Liverpool fans after awful display at Norwich

Criticism of Simon Mignolet has been a constant theme of his two-and-a-half years at Liverpool.

The Belgian goalkeeper, a £9million signing from Sunderland in 2013, has had good spells at the club, but overall has not lived up to that high price-tag.

Fans of the Reds were shocked when he signed a new five-year deal earlier this month, especially with Liverpool linked with numerous goalkeepers during the transfer window. 

Jurgen Klopp's team went 1-0 up at Carrow Road but the Canaries fought back, first from a brilliant back-heel from Dieumerci Mbokani and then from a strike by Steven Naismith.

Liverpool fans were not happy with the goalkeeper. At all.

In fact, after Wes Hoolahan added the third from the penalty spot (with a chip that may have been saved) Mignolet has now conceded seven goals from the last seven shots he has faced on target.