'Don't get caught up in derby atmosphere'
Simon Mignolet's message to his Liverpool teammates ahead of today's Merseyside derby is clear - professionalism is the key to victory at Goodison Park.
The Belgian 'keeper knows the clash is steeped in tradition, fuelled by passion and is one of football's most fiercely contested encounters.
But he also feels that in order for Liverpool fans to filter out of Goodison with smiles on their faces on Saturday afternoon, the players on the pitch must hold it together for the duration.
It's why he's calling on Brendan Rodgers' side to approach the match like it's just another must-win fixture - and another opportunity to clinch three points.
"We have to take it professionally and make sure that we prepare for the game as in any other match," Mignolet told Liverpoolfc.com.
"For me, and I think for the whole team, it will be a game where there's three points to be won and three points to be lost, so we can't get carried away with the fact that it's a derby.
"It's a big game, more important than any other game, but if you're a footballer, you go into the game and the only mindset you can have is to try and get the result and do your job.
"All the rest that goes on around you, on and off the pitch, comes extra. You have to set that apart in your mind and make sure that you are there and focused on the job in hand. You can't get carried away.
"It's much more than just a football match and everybody will do their best and be up for it to get the result and so it's a good experience to look forward to."
A victory in the 221st Merseyside derby would return Brendan Rodgers' side to the summit of the Barclays Premier League table for the first time since September.
However, winning at Goodison Park has proved a difficult feat for the visitors in recent times - in fact, Everton have not lost a league encounter on home turf this calendar year.
Mignolet said: "We know Everton are a good side at home and they play well there. But from our perspective, it's more about focusing on our job and our game. We'll prepare as best as we can to get what we want out of the game.
"It's a good incentive going into the game knowing [Liverpool can top the table with a win]. But it doesn't matter who we play against. Whether it's Arsenal, Fulham or Everton, we want to prepare ourselves to get a win and a good result."
