Jurgen Klopp happy to see Liverpool progress in the Europa League

(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 26: Jurgen Klopp manager of Liverpool looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League Group B match between Liverpool FC and FC Girondins de Bordeaux at Anfield on November 26, 2015 in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

Simon Mignolet believes a hug can go a long way at Liverpool and will be hoping the warm embrace of new boss Jurgen Klopp will inspire the Anfield club to Europa League success against Bordeaux.

Benteke was brought in over the summer, at a considerable £32.5 million cost, by former manager Brendan Rodgers who wanted a forward he could rely on for a whole season, having suffered from Sturridge’s injury problems for most of the previous campaign.

“Daniel is becoming closer and closer, he can train seven or eight times in a row”, Klopp told a news conference on Wednesday.

“My decision you will see (on Thursday) but it is closer and that is very good”.

“I would say it has been ups and downs but the most important thing is the present”, he said. “I am feeling settled and happy in the club and we are playing well”, said the Croatian defender ahead of the meeting with French side Bordeaux.

The Reds produced a stunning team display at the weekend in a 4-1 victory against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, and were also impressive in a 3-1 win at Stamford Bridge in October. It was not a situation I saw.

Easy games everybody can win, you have to win the tough games.

“(There were) brilliant moments against Man City but we were far away from ideal.

“Then we had the game against Crystal Palace – our “black cat”, I would say – but we never doubted ourselves”. I think we were the active team in this game.

“We cannot compete in a full season with a team like Liverpool but in a match, with the mindset that we have displayed in recent matches, we can succeed”.

“While Klopp’s self-deprecating approach and willingness to be light-hearted continues to win over Liverpool supporters, it is his work ethic and desire to create an environment in which players can thrive that has had the biggest effect on the dressing room”.