Liverpool resting Simon Mignolet was curious, but the way news emerged in Belgium puts his future in doubt

Jurgen Klopp prioritises trust over everything else, and there will be questions over how news of his team selection broke in Mignolet's homeland

Simon Mignolet's future is now in doubt (Getty)

The scene on the approach to Liverpool’s training ground in the West Derby area of the city during an average working day had been roughly the same since the club bought the land from St Francis Xavier school six decades ago.

On Deysbrook Lane, Crown Road and Melwood Drive, supporters have clambered above the grey walls to catch a glimpse of training sessions. Purple council bins, ladders, traffic barriers and car bonnets; anything that could elevate eyes to a clear peering point were used.

This changed when Jürgen Klopp became Liverpool’s manager in 2015 and soon, privacy screens were installed to stop the leaking of information. There had been a period under Brendan Rodgers when Twitter knew Liverpool’s starting XI way before team-sheets were submitted, potentially aiding opponents.

Rodgers decided before Klopp’s arrival that an increase in security was needed. For Klopp, the issue was given a priority status, appreciating there would be greater scrutiny than ever of his methods, particularly because of the fascination with his gegenpressing tactic.

While the judgement brought criticism, with it being pointed out that this would increase the chasm between the club, its players and fans, it has certainly been a successful one in a sporting sense for Klopp because the leaks have, indeed, been intercepted for some time now.

That was until Saturday night, anyway. This was when the news broke that Simon Mignolet would not play for Liverpool against Arsenal, with Loris Karius preferred instead and Danny Ward chosen as substitute.


 Klopp with his coaching staff at Melwood Training Ground, where the German installed privacy screens 
 (Getty)

It is fair to conclude that Klopp will want to know why his call to 'rest' the goalkeeper was reported in Belgium the night before a big game, especially when that goalkeeper happens to be from Belgium.

Though Liverpool officials claim some supporters were somehow able to see over Melwood’s perimeter yesterday and subsequently release their findings on an Internet forum, surely at some point Mignolet’s omission would involve collaboration with a reliable source.

Klopp might not show it publically, particularly after a victory as resounding as this one, but privately he would have every right to be angry. And if he is, the disclosure might make Mignolet’s position as Liverpool’s first choice goalkeeper weaker – not only when you take into account the circumstance involves his presence not being deemed essential against a major rival, but also when you consider also how highly Klopp places trust amongst the ingredients of his relationships. Remember how he has reacted when more forceful personalities than Mignolet have crossed him? See Mamadou Sakho’s exile as an example.


 Mignolet was told on Saturday after training that he would be rested (Getty)

Mignolet had appointed his brother, Wouter, as his personal press assistant in the summer of 2016 after the decision was taken to make him more accessible following three seasons where discussions about his suitability as Liverpool’s goalkeeper were no more than a mistake away.

Mignolet’s performances have been better in the last twelve months but to say he has convinced everybody that watches him regularly would be inaccurate. While he saved a penalty in Hoffenheim a few weeks ago, he could have done better for two of the three goals conceded at Watford and this has been a period where Liverpool's defence has continued to make mistakes. He cannot be responsible for the individual errors of others in front of him but when there is a matter of organisation from set-pieces, the goalkeeper is always implicated. Mignolet can be accused of joint enterprise because each time an alleged crime is committed, he is there.

Whatever the rights and wrongs of his non-inclusion against Arsenal, Karius is expected to be Liverpool’s cup goalkeeper this season and there are suggestions from inside Liverpool that the German’s involvement will extend to Champions League football. This would explain why Karius was chosen here. Liverpool face Sevilla after the international break and given that Karius has not played a competitive match since January when Liverpool were beaten by Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield, there are obvious risks relating to game-time.

Karius took over from Mignolet between the sticks (Getty)

It was another bold calculation by Klopp during a month where he has been fighting against the distraction of the saga around Barcelona’s interest in Philippe Coutinho, a situation he has managed so well by finding attacking solutions, you begin to question where the space is for the Brazilian to fit into this Liverpool side. Leaving out Mignolet in such an abrupt manner, however, placed huge pressure on Karius, who has been subject to questions about his own capacities since signing from Mainz.

Subsequently, Liverpool were everything Arsenal were not: energetic, aggressive and daring. Karius had very little to do but there were still moments where his actions left concerns, particularly relating to his unhurried but anxiety-inducing manner of distribution. On this occasion, mistakes did not prove to be decisive. Liverpool, though, will surely face teams that are mightier than Arsenal in Europe.