Simon Mignolet eager to regain his Liverpool place after being benched

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Mignolet has sat out the last three Liverpool games with Loris Karius taking possession of the gloves.

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has told reporters that he is eager to regain his place in the side, and admits it ‘hurts’ to sit on the bench, the Liverpool Echo reports.

Mignolet has sat out the last two Premier League games with Loris Karius starting in goal for the Reds, but the Belgian is hopeful of regaining his place for Monday night’s huge encounter with Manchester United.

He is quoted in the Liverpool Echo, saying: “I didn’t play the last two weeks and I don’t want it to be any longer. I look at it positively. I hope to play against United. I still feel confident because of my good league start. Against Arsenal, Tottenham and Leicester I have been important for the team by making some good saves.

“I have the advantage that the game against United is only Monday so I can have a full preparation.

“I don’t know what the coach will decide. I can just prepare myself 100%. Whether I play or not, nothing will change my match preparation. It is not in my character to not give 100%.”

It was hard to come across a Liverpool fan in the summer who did not feel that the goalkeeping situation needed to be addressed to some extent. Mignolet had occupied the number one position for much of his three years at the club but failed to convince.

Jürgen Klopp opted to sign Karius in the summer from Mainz, with both him and Mignolet fighting it out for the number one spot. Mignolet started the first five games in the Premier League as Karius missed the start of the campaign with a broken hand sustained on the club’s pre-season tour of the United States.

Although Liverpool have yet to keep a clean sheet in the league this season, some would say that Mignolet did not do anything wrong during his run of games at the start of this season, and it is harsh for him to be dropped to the bench. However, given his quotes, it is hard to doubt his professionalism.

The best thing he can do is be ready to step into the side whenever his opportunity comes, either by luck or by design. Since Karius was brought in during the summer, many may feel he will get the nod against Manchester United. All Mignolet can do is continue to work hard.