Klopp was pleased with the result but will no doubt have concerns about Mignolet’s performance
The players might have made hard work of it last night but confirming progression from a fairly tricky Europa League group with a game to spare is a fairly pleasant state of affairs for a side in turmoil a few months ago.
The team travels to Sion for the final game of the group stage, needing just a point to confirm top spot but with a place in the knockout stages guaranteed Jurgen Klopp declared himself a happy man, despite a nervy display from the players.
Speaking to the assembled press at his post-match press-conference (via Liverpoolfc.com) Klopp said: “I am very happy to have qualified, the team are very happy to have qualified, the club are very happy to be qualified, so you [the press] can be very happy to have qualified!
“[Finishing] top of the table is important, but not the most important thing because there are only good teams in the next round.
“We will try everything when we travel to Sion in two weeks, but there are 50 games between then and now!
“We have to think about Swansea from tomorrow onwards and that’s what we will do.”
And while there were few real positives to take other than qualification from the game, there is a major concern for the manager that reared its head again last night, and that’s whether Simon Mignolet has a long-term future at Anfield.
It isn’t something that Klopp is likely to decide overnight but if he already had an eye on a number of keepers around the continent, then last night will only have strengthened his resolve and weakened Mignolet’s position.
But with Swansea coming up next at Anfield, all eyes will be on am improved performance from the team and ensuring three points are claimed more comfortably than last night.
