Klopp to start ‘fantastic’ Mignolet against Chelsea in League Cup

Jurgen Klopp says Simon Mignolet has impressed him in training and has confirmed that the Belgian will earn a first start of the season against Chelsea on Wednesday night.

Mignolet, aware that his game-time would be limited, tried to force a move away from the club during the summer but was retained after Loris Karius joined Besiktas on loan.

Thus far, he has been playing second fiddle to new arrival Alisson Becker, but he will have a chance to shine in the Carabao Cup third round meeting.

“The only position I will confirm today that we will change, if nothing happens in training, is Simon,” Klopp told reporters at Melwood. “Simon will start, all the rest you have to wait until tomorrow – but it will be a good team, believe me.

The manager admitted that Mignolet was unhappy with his situation, but says his attitude since the start of the season has been excellent.

“He has been brilliant,” said Klopp. “Yes, how you can imagine, a transfer window time is one of two moments in the year when you can make decisions about going somewhere or bringing players in.

“Yes, Simon would have been ready to go to another club to be the No.1 in the world, that was clear, but we couldn’t do it and since then he’s been brilliant.

READ: Klopp provides update on fitness levels ahead of Chelsea tie

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – Saturday, September 9, 2017: Liverpool’s goalkeeper Simon Mignolet warms-up before the FA Premier League match between Manchester City and Liverpool at the City of Manchester Stadium. (Pic by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

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“He trains fantastic, it’s all good, and he absolutely deserves the game tomorrow. I am really happy to give him the opportunity, that’s all.”

Klopp was tight-lipped when pressed for further details about his team selection, but promised that he would field ‘a really strong side’.

“I don’t think I will get any information until tomorrow about the line-up of Chelsea,” he said. “So, why should I give any? We are really competitive, and we really want to win the game.

“We will see. I have to make decisions, I will make decisions and it will be a really strong side. I will not even name the number of changes, but it will not be the maximum and it will not be the minimum – it’s between them. We will see.

“One I have already confirmed, so it cannot be nil, and it will for sure not be 11.

“We will have a good team and I really want to see us playing good football because it’s our rhythm and we are used to playing three times a week, so let’s do it.”

Liverpool need only win three games in this competition to reach the semifinals and potentially have another crack at ending their spell without silverware.

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Source: anfieldhq.com