Liverpool's new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says he expects to be first choice next season ahead of Pepe Reina Liverpool’s new goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has made it clear he expects toreplace Pepe Reina as Anfield’s first choice this season. The Belgian, signed for £8 million from Sunderland, said he has not moved toMerseyside to ‘be sitting and resting’ when pressed on whether he’d beenguaranteed the goalkeeping gloves.
Mignolet said conversations between he and manager Brendan Rodgers on whowould be selected would remain private.
However, Mignolet was pursued and signed because Liverpool anticipated Reinawould be sold to Barcelona. The fact there is now a question mark as towhether a bid will be made for Reina has created a perceived battle for thegoalkeeping jersey which, in reality, may never come to pass.
Until Reina’s future is resolved there is a certain amount of diplomacysurrounding the Anfield goalkeeping role, public confirmation Mignolet willbe first choice absent out of respect to the Spanish stopper.
Reina remains highly respected at his club, but Liverpool felt compelled toact quickly to acquire the services of one of the Premier League’s finestyoung keepers rather than sweat on Barcelona making their move between nowand the end of the transfer window.
Mignolet has international as well as domestic ambitions to fulfil the season,Belgium on the verge of World Cup qualification with a team many will tip togo far in Brazil next summer.It is inconceivable he would leave Sunderland for Liverpool if he did notbelieve he would be the regular choice as he would be jeopardising hisinternational place.
“I'm not here to be sitting and resting. I'm here to come and progress, andplay,” said Mignolet.“The only thing I can do is train hard, show the manager that I'm ready for itand in the games when I get my chance I have to be there and be ready.”
Asked directly if he’d been promised a starting place against Stoke on thefirst day of the Premier League season, Mignolet said: “Brendan Rodgers hastalked to me about it, but that is not something that has to go outside theclub.“Competition is something I have had at every single club.
“I had competition back in Belgium and I had it at Sunderland with KierenWestwood and Craig Gordon.“I also have competition in the Belgian national side. That does not changeand when you come to a bigger club, there are going to be fights for places,especially with the goalkeepers because only one can play.
“It's a challenge that can make you better and stronger and I will just tryand do my best.“I will work hard and if I get a chance, I will show that I should be there.”
Mignolet was unveiled at Anfield yesterday alongside free signing Kolo Toure.Toure has urged wantaway striker Luis Suarez to resist the offers put to himand fulfill his ambitions at Liverpool.
“Of course if he stays he can have more chances to win trophies. This club isdefinitely prepared - the organisation, the mentality of the players and thestaff,” said Toure.“It is a top professional club. He is a great player, a fantastic player. Butit is up to the club to decide what they think will be best for everybody.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/liverpool/10172559/Liverpools-new-goalkeeper-Simon-Mignolet-says-he-expects-to-be-first-choice-next-season-ahead-of-Pepe-Reina.html
