Mignolet: The onus is on ourselves
Simon Mignolet believes Liverpool must remain focused only on their own performances – rather than those from the teams around them – as they aim to strengthen their push for a top-four finish over a busy next few weeks.
The Reds currently sit second in the Barclays Premier League table after an excellent start to the campaign has seen them pick up 24 points from their opening 12 matches.
Hull City at the KC Stadium is Brendan Rodgers' side's next test as Liverpool enter what Mignolet feels will prove to be a key stage of the season, with six more fixtures to follow in December.
The goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com: "From now until February, there are a lot of games to be played, so for us it's about making sure everybody stays fit, everybody works hard and we pick up as many points as we can during that period.
"We're second in the league and it's important to try and stay up there and build on our start to the season. Hopefully we can do it with a win on Sunday against Hull.
"Any game in the Premier League is difficult. We don't want to look at what's coming after Hull - we're focusing on that game, making sure we do the right things.
"We played Everton last week and got a point in the end - hopefully we can turn it into a good point after a win against Hull.
"We cannot look too far ahead of schedule, so on Sunday we have to make sure we approach the game well.
"As I said, every game in the Premier League is a tough one. It's not important to look at the opposition at this moment in time, it's still too early and we have to look at ourselves and make sure we do the right things, then we don't have to worry about what other teams are doing.
"Hull, Norwich and West Ham are three difficult games to be played and we have to make sure we're focused on ourselves."
With the games set to come thick and fast over the traditionally busy period of Christmas and New Year, Mignolet believes Liverpool will be required to utilise the depth of their squad.
"It's always good to have a big squad, and I think we have that," he stated. "If somebody gets injured, or if someone is suspended, there is always someone else ready to come into the team, do a job and put in a good performance.
"We've got competition throughout the squad and that can only be a good thing. Hopefully it pays off during this busy period."
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Hull will head into the weekend in 13th position in the table, and Mignolet is well versed on what Liverpool can expect, having been managed by the Tigers' boss, Steve Bruce, during the pair's time together at Sunderland.
"I know Steve Bruce from my time at Sunderland and I know he always tries to get the lads up for it, so I'm sure they will be and put us under pressure," he said.
"I expect a physical game, but we have to look at ourselves and make sure we do the things we do best. We have to make sure we're ready and put in a good performance."