Mignolet "not blind" to Liverpool's problems

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says he is "not blind" to the Reds' recent defensive frailties.

Liverpool conceded two goals from corners in Saturday's 3-3 Premier League draw against Watford at Vicarage Road, and conceded another late goal in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League play-off first-leg win over Hoffenheim.

The 29-year-old, who saved a first-half penalty in Germany and also made a fine save to deny Serge Gnabry, says "natural footballing side" Liverpool must ensure they don't let defensive standards slip. 

"We are not blind," he said. 

"Our natural game will be attacking and we know we have to fill that in with a real defensive spirit. We know that is where we have to improve.

"You cannot change a natural footballing side that goes forward, but we know we have to mix that with a good defensive, aggressive spirit to make sure they don't score the goals."

Mignolet says Liverpool's effective performance at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena was down to the defence work Liverpool did in the training sessions after the draw at Watford.

"We took a lot of steps defensively against Hoffenheim," he continued.

"We were solid, set pieces we defended well too and that is what we have to learn. We know what we have to improve after Watford and we have a good dressing room that will deal with that."

Liverpool's Champions League play-off second leg against Hoffenheim at Anfield on Wednesday, 23 August is live on BT Sport on the eir Sport package.

Image Getty Images/ John Powell

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