Mignolet relishing fight for Anfield top spot

Simon Mignolet admits the gloves are quite literally off as the competition heats up for Liverpool’s No1 shirt, but insists he is ready to tackle the challenge that awaits.

The Belgian looks favourite to start between the sticks for the Reds as they kick off their Premier League season away to Arsenal on Sunday with summer signing Loris Karius sidelined with a hand injury.

Mignolet was also joined in the goalkeeper ranks by 39-year-old Alex Manninger last month, whose experience Mignolet feels he can benefit from as he looks to further improve his game. But the 28-year-old knows the only way to secure his spot in the starting line-up is through first-class performances.

“In the end, it’s all down to you,” said Mignolet.

“You have to keep your head down, work hard and make sure you put in the performances yourself. You don’t look over your shoulder to anybody else.

“It’s about making sure you put in your own best possible performance every day on the training pitch and on a matchday.

“The dynamic [between the goalkeepers] is really good. Alex is brilliant with his experience, to give knowledge to us. Loris unfortunately got injured.

“We get on really well and we’re working really well together with the goalkeeping coach. We have had a few young guys up as well to help us out. The goalies’ union is there and is strong.”

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This season marks Mignolet’s fourth at Anfield since his switch from Sunderland in 2013 and, like his first campaign at Liverpool, will be one without European football.

But despite that, the Mignolet believes it could be the start of great things for Jurgen Klopp’s men.

“First of all, I’m a team player – so together with the squad I want to fight both in the Premier League and the domestic cups,” he said.

“Liverpool has a history of winning trophies and playing in Europe. That’s where we have to be again and we’ll try to do that.

“I think the fact that we’re not in Europe this year will get us in a better position for the Premier League games, like it did in the year I arrived when we finished second. That’s a good thing.

“With the cups, last year we played in a final. Let’s hope this year we can win one.”