Simon passes his character test
SIMON MIGNOLET believes he has passed his own “mirror test” to shrug off the disappointment of being dropped to play a full part in Liverpool’s title run-in.
Jurgen Klopp axed the experienced Belgian keeper and brought in youngster Loris Karius in September.
But Mignolet was re-instated just before Christmas and has conceded only eight times in the 10 League games since he returned.
“The season has been a test of character for me,” he admits as he prepares to face struggling Champions Leicester at the King Power tomorrow.
“The Premier League is watched around the world and when things go wrong you need tough shoulders and a good chin to keep your head up.
“In the end, it’s only about yourself, and you have to look into the mirror.
“You must see that you are working hard to keep improving and learning. You have to keep putting in your performances for the club, because in the end, that’s what your job is.
“You do it on a daily basis. You have to look to yourself and say: ‘I’m doing everything I can’, and I think I was.
“When you are not in the team you probably show even more professionalism because the spotlight is on you more as an individual.
“The moment you are thrown out of the team it is obvious what people are going to say. There are bound to be rumours.
“I didn’t feel it was unfair when I was dropped. You obviously have your own ideas, but I don’t think that’s very important.
“I am a part of the team, and that’s the important thing. We’ve got 25 players in the dressing-room, but only 11 who can play on a Saturday. There are always going to be a few guys disappointed.
“But as a dressing-room, we are fighting for the same ideas and objectives and we need everybody to get to that. That’s also what our strength is this season.
“In the past when we were challenging for the title, it was more about individuals such as Luis Suarez, Daniel Sturridge and Stevie Gerrard.
“Now the strength of this team comes more from the depth and unity of the squad. That makes us stronger.”