Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has every right to feel aggrieved at his manager Jurgen Klopp's decision to drop him, according to former Red John Aldridge.
Mignolet was dropped to the bench for Liverpool's comprehensive 5-1 victory over Hull City on Saturday, with summer signing Loris Karius being preferred as the man between the sticks and, although the Belgian has made a series of high-profile mistakes during his time at the club, he has done little wrong so far this season, which will make it a bitter pill to swallow.
Aldridge, writing in his"? Liverpool Echo column, said: "Being dropped will have been a tough one for Simon Mignolet to take because he had done nothing wrong. But the manager clearly wants to assess Loris Karius and look at what qualities he can bring to the team.
"You have to respect Klopp's decision. Karius will start at Swansea on Saturday and then Klopp has said he will assess it over the international break."?
Liverpool have been irresistible in attack this season but are still in search for a first clean sheet, conceding nine goals from their opening six games. Klopp has said he is willing to speak with Mignolet should the Belgian knock on his door looking for a specific reason for him being dropped.
"Like I said a few times, before the game there is only the decision," Klopp said.
WATCH: Jurgen Klopp not guaranteeing Loris Karius or Simon Mignolet regular starts: https://t.co/CWhZ8vC3gw #SSNHQ https://t.co/kshsdSoiBj
"After the game if someone wants to talk about it we can talk about it, but before the game nothing else than the game.
"If he wants to talk we can talk, there's no problem, but it will be not a problem because I know him. We cannot promise line up positions. We can only say we made decisions, use them."?