Mignolet confident of title tilt

Simon Mignolet feels Liverpool are better equipped to handle the pressure of challenging for the Premier League title than the side that came close to being crowned champions in 2014.

The Reds came agonisingly close to ending their wait for a Premier League title in 2013-14 only for their challenge to falter in the last few games, finishing two points behind Manchester City.

Brendan Rodgers was the manager during their title tilt but Jurgen Klopp is the man steering the ship this time and Mignolet believes the squad he has assembled are prepared for the challenges that come with being in the midst of the title battle.

“We have a really good team. There are similarities with 2014 because we grew into the season and gained momentum and experience," Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo.

“But the difference between now and then is that in 2014 we were reliant on the individual qualities with the likes of Stevie [Gerrard], Studge [Daniel Sturridge] and Luis Suarez.

“Now the danger comes from the whole team. The strength is within the whole team. We defend and attack as a team. There isn’t one main goal scorer. Everyone chips in.

“That’s very important because opponents have to set up in a different way. They can’t just say, ‘we need to look after Luis Suarez’.

“It is always better to have a good unit than being reliant on one or two players. Now it’s about the system and that’s probably a better basis to go forward.

“We still have a very young squad. We are in the semis of the League Cup, we’re still in the FA Cup and we’re up there challenging for the Premier League title. Let’s see what we can achieve with this group.”

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