Simon Mignolet reacts to being benched on his birthday against Porto

Posted by

Simon Mignolet hasn’t been coy in outlining his understandable disappointment to have spent Liverpool’s Champion League clash with Porto on the bench.

Loris Karius was yet again favoured over the Belgian despite the Reds’ 5-0 aggregate lead, with Jurgen Klopp keen to produce some continuity in preparation for Saturday’s trip to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Liverpool’s back-up shot-stopper was celebrating his birthday on Tuesday and admitted on a social media post after the game that he’d have much preferred an alternative view on the night.

Though Mignolet can feel slightly frustrated not to have been handed a run out, Klopp was perfectly justified to stick with Karius.

The result served as another valuable confidence-boosting clean sheet for the German, who is evidently improving thanks to an extended run in the team.

With Jose Mourinho’s men in-waiting, it would have been unwise to disrupt the rhythm Karius has demonstrated signs of finally achieving after a troublesome start to his Anfield career.

A rotation of two goalkeepers has also proven unhealthy in Liverpool’s mission to strengthen defensively, with Klopp’s centre-backs in need of striking a familiarity and understanding with an undisputed no.1.

As for Mignolet, it seems likely his time on Merseyside is drawing to a close.

More Stories Liverpool Loris Karius Simon Mignolet