Midweek game can heal hurt

SIMON Mignolet is pleased Liverpool are quickly back in action after being mauled by Manchester City.

The Reds’ impressive start was brought to a sudden halt as they slumped to a 5-0 Premier League defeat after Sadio Mane was sent off at the Etihad Stadium.

Jurgen Klopp’s men will have little time to dwell on the result as they open their Champions League campaign against Sevilla on Wednesday.

Goalkeeper Mignolet said: “We have to take the first 20 minutes and how we played before t he international break into the next game.

“Of course, we can’t neglect the performance after that, we have to keep it in mind, but we have another game midweek when we can prove ourselves again.

“That’s probably a good thing, the game comes early and we can put things right.”

Liverpool had l ooked formidable as they overpowered Arsenal 4-0 at Anfield a fortnight ago.

Their hopes of maintaining that momentum were dashed before half-time. Sergio Aguero had already put City into the lead when Mane was dismissed for catching Ederson with a high boot in a collision.

Gabriel Jesus then struck twice either side of half-time and Leroy Sane finished Liverpool off with a late double.

Mignolet said: “City are a good team, particularly at home . They have players who can change games and make chances.

“Then you go a man down and the momentum and morale changed. We had to change but they quietened us down.”

Simon Mignolet