‘Outstanding’ Mignolet strengthens Liverpool’s grip on top four

LONDON, March 13: Jurgen Klopp praised the “outstanding” Simon Mignolet after the goalkeeper helped strengthen Liverpool’s grip on a top-four berth.

Mignolet stood firm in the face of strong Burnley pressure in the second half as the Reds secured a hard-earned 2-1 win at Anfield on Sunday.

With the Clarets pumping the ball long, the keeper made a succession of important clearances to ensure the visitors were kept at bay.

And Klopp said: “We did much better in the second half because they didn’t really have a chance from open play, only set-pieces.

“But they were dangerous enough, all in the six-yard box or close to it.

“Simon did an outstanding job for us. It was difficult for any goalkeeper, but he did really well in this situation.”

Liverpool had struggled to cope with Burnley’s approach during the first half, with the visitors breaking with pace on the break and looking to play long.

“We knew we had to do better in the second half,” admitted Klopp. “It was about formation and orientation, and we spoke about at half-time when best to play the long balls.

“We didn’t feel that comfortable today for a lot of the build-up situation.

“The plan from the beginning was to mix it up, to play build-up and to play long balls, but long ball in a formation to win the second ball.

“But at this part of the game, Burnley were better. In the second half, we defended and our organisation was better, we had a few counter-attacking moments, when we played football the game felt better and in the end won the game, well deserved.”ECHO