Simon Mignolet has insisted Liverpool still have a chance of progressing against Real Madrid in the Champions League this evening.
Simon Mignolet has insisted ‘you never know’ when it comes to Liverpool’s chances of progressing in the Champions League this evening.
The Reds host Real Madrid at Anfield in the second leg of their quarter-final tie, looking to overcome a 3-1 deficit from the first leg in Madrid.
The odds are very much against Jurgen Klopp’s side heading into the game, with few predicting Liverpool to progress after their performances last week and this season in general.
However, they do have a history of turning things around in the Champions League, with their remarkable comeback against Barcelona in 2019 remaining strong in the memory.
Mignolet was a part of that success, and he insists that you can’t write off his former team when it comes to European football.
“It will be difficult, but with Liverpool in the Champions League, you never know,” he told De Tribune as relayed by Sporza.
“They have already saved themselves from more difficult situations. Like after the 3-0 defeat in Barcelona or in the final against Milan. You’re never done with Liverpool.
“Just like I have with STVV, I’m sure I still look at Liverpool with a different feeling when they play. I also still know a lot of players on the pitch.
“Let’s hope they not only push on in the Champions League but above all they can qualify for next year’s Champions League because they have a fatter job of that in the Premier League at the moment.”
Elsewhere, Alisson Becker has not been at his usual best and has struggled on a number of occasions this season. Mignolet explains that the absence of Van Dijk is the reason behind Alisson’s poor form.
That (Alisson’s form) will have several reasons,” he added.
“On the one hand, he has had a few injuries, but there is also the fact that they have been missing Virgil van Dijk for almost the whole season.”
“That’s a chunk of stability that’s gone anyway. That was actually already a difference when I was there. Van Dijk came when I ended up on the bench.”
“From the moment he started playing, we stopped goals. Liverpool with or without him is a huge difference, I think.”
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