Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet says he is not feeling under pressure despite a poor start to the new Premier League season for his club.
The former Sunderland stopper has received criticism for his performances, most notably from Gary Neville, after the Reds slipped to 13th place in the standings, with the club reportedly lining up former Barcelona star Victor Valdes as his replacement once the Spaniard recovers from injury.
Mignolet insists that there are far bigger problems out in the world than any goings-on at Anfield, and is focused solely on beating Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday.
“Pressure is what is happening in Iraq at the moment when there is a war. That is pressure,” said Mignolet.
“We are all football players and we are here to do our best. You want to work hard in training and we will see what happens at a weekend.
“I can only do my best, work hard, be positive and confident and I believe in myself. That is the only thing I can do.
“If I have to look into all the people and players who are linked with Liverpool football club then there will be another team on the pitch.
“Every week there would be a different 11 playing. So it is just the fact that you play for a big club and you have to accept that is the way it is, but I don’t read anything into that.
“I am here to play my game and to do my best every week. I can only work hard in training, be positive and make sure I play well at the weekend.”
Mignolet expressed his disappointment at only getting a point from the Merseyside derby at Anfield on Saturday.
“We are disappointed to only get one point against Everton because I felt we deserved all three and a clean sheet,” Mignolet added.
“On Wednesday we hope to get a second victory in the Champions League because that would give us a good chance for the rest of the group.”
