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Simon Mignolet made a high-profile error against West Bromwich Albion during a 2-2 draw, which secured an unwanted record for the 27-year-old. According to statistical site Whoscored: "No player has made more errors that have led directly to a goal in the last 3 PL seasons than Mignolet (8)".
Still, Jürgen Klopp came out in support of his first-choice goalkeeper who he backed previously earlier in the month. Klopp's support early in December came along with news that the Belgian international was the subject of a possible contract extension. That seems to be close to being announced after reports emerged that negotiations over a new deal are set to be concluded by the end of the month.
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The Guardian's Andy Hunter noted that discussions have been quick between the parties concerned with a willingness on the club's behalf to revise Mignolet's £60,000-a-week-contract. When Mignolet arrived from Sunderland in 2013, he signed a five-year-contract to succeed Pepe Reina as Brendan Rodgers' main goalkeeper. Klopp is widely believed to have pushed for an extension for a goalkeeper that hasn't always fully convinced in nearly two-and-a-half seasons.
This move appears to be beyond man-management and keeping a player's confidence up for the remainder of the season; Klopp believes in Mignolet as Liverpool's long-term goalkeeping solution. Such a move remains questionable, but Jürgen Klopp is the type of manager who should be trusted. He knows what he's doing and has changed the mood around the club.
Mignolet is a goalkeeper with certain strengths and weaknesses that are well-documented, and if Klopp wants to keep the former Sunderland keeper around, there must be a plan to accentuate the player's strong points.