Simon Mignolet 'relishes' spotlight of Liverpool goalkeeper battle with Loris Karius
Monday 2 January 2017 13:51, UK
Simon Mignolet says he relishes being under the spotlight at Liverpool as he battles with Loris Karius for the goalkeeper's jersey.
The Belgian was dropped from the team in September in favour of summer signing Karius, but was restored last month after the German was involved in high-profile errors that cost the side points against Bournemouth and West Ham.
Manager Jurgen Klopp has complained about the criticism of his goalkeepers, but when asked if the focus was fair, Mignolet insisted it comes with the territory.
"It's only normal," he said in an exclusive interview with Soccer Special.
"You have to relish that and use that. It's a nice thing to be playing for a big club like Liverpool and to be in the spotlight. You have to use it as energy.
"The club and the team is doing really well and that's what we want to continue. We want many points and results on the board.
"I don't think it's only the keepers, as a team we have to stay focused and mentally strong. Everybody is waiting for us to slip up and to see what we can do.
"If we just keep challenging and doing the things we are doing we've got a really good chance of being successful this year.
"We are in a good position now but there's still a long way to go and the January period is very important for us."
Mignolet returns to former club Sunderland on Monday afternoon as Liverpool seek to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea.
Their opponents are battling for survival at the opposite end of the table and Mignolet has backed David Moyes to keep them up.
"It's always nice to go back there," he said.
"The reception I get from the fans and the time I spent there was brilliant. I still have a lot of friends over there, who especially at this time of year text you.
"It's always nice to see them again and I wish them all the best. I hope they stay in the Premier League because they deserve it with all the fans and support they have there.
"It's a massive club, always a full stadium, and it's always nice to play there as well. I wish them the best, but obviously after this game against us."
And he insists Monday's clash will be tough for Liverpool, despite the difference in league positions between the two teams.
"It's only normal with the way the league table is looking that people will think that [Liverpool will win], but every game in the Premier League is tough.
"From Sunderland's perspective, they are fighting to stay in the league and they will be doing the best they can to keep the points at home.
"We know it is going to be difficult. Ever since David Moyes has gone in they have changed and they've been making sure they try to be solid and get points on the board.
"It's not going to be easy, but the way we are and the confidence we have we want to go there to come back with all three points."
See more from our exclusive interview with Simon Mignolet on Soccer Special from midday on Sky Sports News HQ.
