It cannot be easy for any player to be dropped to the bench – but it must be especially hard for a goalkeeper.
Outfield players know that they’ll probably get another chance sooner rather than later as the season drags on and injuries and suspensions rack up.
But keepers can be out in the wilderness for months, if not years. Some keepers literally make a career of sitting on the bench.
It often takes a dramatic drop off in form for a second choice keeper to win back their place. Failing that they have to make do with the occasional cup tie.
It’s must be even harder for Mignolet – Klopp worked with him for nine months, didn’t really like what he saw, then went out and bought not one, but two new shot stoppers.
Now the Belgian has been describing how it felt to be dropped from the first eleven three weeks ago.
“Every time you sit on the bench it hurts,” he told reporters.
“I’m also a lot more nervous on the bench than on the pitch. But the intention is to play again as soon as possible.
“The important thing is that I try to handle to situation the best I can. I think my response has been positive. It was also appreciated by the supporters.” (Echo)
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Would you give Migs a second shot against Man Utd? Let us know in the comments.