Liverpool Manager Brendan Rodgers Demands Improvement from Struggling Simon Mignolet

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has urged goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to improve after the Belgian international's fumble contributed to the club's winless run stretching to five games after the 2-2 draw with Ludogorets Razgrad.

Mignolet could only parry Marcelinho's early shot right into the path of Dani Abalo, who gave Ludogorets the lead in Sofia, before goals from Rickie Lambert and Jordan Henderson put the Reds on course for a first win since October.

Georgi Terziev headed in an 88<sup>th minute equaliser to grab a point for the Bulgarian side but Mignolet's form has come under scrutiny amid Liverpool problems and Rodgers is seeking a reaction starting against Stoke City this weekend.

"As a goalkeeper you have to be able to let these things go," said Rodgers.

"The goal was a massive setback for the team but we need to keep his confidence as high as we can. We have to look to the weekend and keep a clean sheet."

Speculation regarding Mignolet's future has mounted in recent weeks after a number of high-profile errors in the Liverpool goal, with the club having been linked with a move for free agent Victor Valdes – who is training with Manchester United.

Rodgers has been able to inspire the best from his players when he has demanded it, with Lambert hitting scoring form at just the right time with two goals in as many games to open his account for his boyhood club.

"I am so pleased for Rickie because he has had to be patient and bide his time," Rodgers added. "He ran himself into the ground against Ludogorets. That is what I am looking for now; I am looking for footballers who have the mentality to work their socks off. It is about the moment we are in.

"The two full-backs [Javier Manquillo and Glen Johnson] were strong, I thought Lucas and Joe Allen were outstanding in central midfield, they showed good composure and nicked the ball when it mattered, and Steven Gerrard at No 10 gave great support to Rickie.

"Rickie held the ball up well. As soon as Rickie got his first goal [against Palace on Sunday] he was a different person. You could see him at the training ground with a spring in his step, shoulders high, chest out. Ludogorets was a good result for us but only a small step in terms of where we need to go."