Mignolet is champing at the bit
SIMON MIGNOLET says Liverpool have cured themselves of their pointdropping habit just in time to clinch Champions League qualification.
Emre Can’s wonder winner at Watford on Monday night strengthened Liverpool’s grip on third place.
Manchester United, in fifth, have a game in hand but Liverpool are four points clear of Jose Mourinho’s side and in control of their destiny. Jurgen Klopp’s men now have to come through three Sunday assignments to qualify – at home to Southampton this weekend, at West Ham and finally Middlesbrough at Anfield.
Goalkeeper Mignolet was convinced the 1-0 win over Watford was proof they are no longer so wasteful. “We accepted that a lot had to change in this type of game,” he said.
“We’ve shown we have learned. To win at places like West Brom, Stoke and Watford shows we can do this. We have three more games like this to play.
“We’re hungry to play in the Champions League.
“We know what it means, not only for us but also for the fans. The history of this great club has been all about fighting at the top end of the Premier League and also against the best teams in Europe.
“Everybody wants it so much and we’re going to keep fighting for it.”
Can’s overhead kick in first-half stoppage-time was a goal-of-the-season contender.
“He also scored a brilliant goal against Burnley so it wasn’t a big surprise,” Mignolet said.
“Full credit to Emre for the technique he showed. Getting up like that and then having the flexibility to connect and put the ball in the net was very impressive.”
Liverpool have been boosted by confirmation that Philippe Coutinho, taken off with a dead leg, is not likely to miss the run-in.
Adam Lallana, playing in his first game in five weeks since suffering a thigh injury on England duty, replaced Coutinho and was excellent.