Mignolet aiming to become more aggressive following Klopp chat
Simon Mignolet has revealed he is working on bringing increased aggression into his game following a conversation with Jürgen Klopp.
The goalkeeper has explained why he is aiming to become a more commanding figure inside the area to help Liverpool thwart off opposition danger.
“It’s something we’ve talked about me working on,” Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo. “I’m getting older and I need to become a leading and commanding figure.
“Being a bit more aggressive and nasty is something he’s asked for throughout the team.
“That’s not something you really work on during time on the training field but you have to try to off the pitch.
“It is something that you have to create and then in the heat of the moment you have to let it out.
“The only thing you have to change is your character. You have to get in a frame of mind before the game.”
In order to facilitate the change in personality, Mignolet’s matchday routine has changed somewhat slightly, with the custodian visualising potential situations he could face in-game ahead of kick-off.
“It takes a bit of time, it doesn’t just switch,” continued the Belgian. “It starts when you leave the hotel and travel to the stadium.
“We’ve spoken about Steve Peters before and that can help. I don’t really need to see him any more as he’s given me the instructions.
“You have to visualise your own performance – the good things.
“If you want to be in a frame of mind to be more aggressive, you have to think about the challenge you face. You think about commanding your box and giving instructions to the defence.
“Then you need to see examples in the past of when you have done that to make sure that happens again.”
Mignolet signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool last month to commit his future to the club.
The 27-year-old insists the decision to re-sign with the Reds was an easy one, but acknowledges it comes with a responsibility to establish himself as a leader on the pitch.
Mignolet continued: "Jürgen lets me make my own decisions on the pitch and deal with it. Afterwards we’ll have a discussion when we analyse things.
“When the club give you a new contract, it’s a sign of confidence, not only from the board, but also in the dressing room - the staff and the players.
“That’s the most important thing to feel that they are behind you.
“We didn’t take long with the club. We found an agreement really quickly. It’s pleasing to sign for such a big club for such a long period of time.
“Both my missus and I love it here in the North West. I’m 27, which is still young as a goalkeeper and my best years are ahead of me, but there’s a new responsibility on my shoulders.
“I’m coming to that age where you become more experienced and you have to give leadership on and off the pitch. I want to take up that role.”
The No.22 continued: “You need to keep your head down and work hard on the pitch. Keep improving - that’s my message all the time.
“For me, the contract is even more of an incentive to keep going and always give 100 per cent. I’ll continue to work on the areas where I can become better.
“I don’t think there’s a perfect goalkeeper at any age. Throughout my time here, I’ve learned a lot.
“I’m stronger for that and hopefully over the period of this contract I’ll keep progressing in the same way.”
Mignolet acknowledges representing Liverpool as their first-choice goalkeeper comes with unique pressures.
And he believes the key to succeeding is simply by having a hunger to improve on daily basis.
“You have to be your own biggest critic and analyse your own things,” said Mignolet. “That’s how I deal with it all the time with the goalie coach [John Achterberg].
“When you see goals going in, you will always be questioned. You have to accept that and then look at what you can do better.
“When you play for a club like Liverpool, you know there’s always going to be a big eye on you and voices around the place constantly. There is no point in letting that affect you.
“If you are your own biggest critic all those messages and voices from outside will become quiet.
“For example, every game you play there will be 100 things people outside do not pick up that you think you will try to do better and practice in training.”
Mignolet will line up between the sticks for Liverpool today as his former club Sunderland are welcomed to Anfield for the Barclays Premier League clash.
The Black Cats arrive in 19th position in the table; however, while eager to see them retain their top-flight status, there’ll be no room for sentiment come kick-off today for the Reds custodian.
“It’s not nice to see them down there,” he said. “You always keep an eye on your old clubs because you have friends there.
“It’s unfortunate to see them not in a place they want to be. There are still a lot of games to be played between now and the end of the season.
“Hopefully, apart from this weekend against us, they will get the points they need to get out of the relegation zone. I’d love them to stay up.”