Mignolet on 2017-18: 'We're hungry for silverware'
Liverpool's progress over the last two seasons gives them a foundation upon which they can compete for honours in 2017-18, Simon Mignolet believes.
Following a 2015-16 campaign in which they reached the finals of both the League Cup and Europa League, the Reds accrued 76 points in claiming a top-four finish in the Premier League last term.
It’s been five years since Liverpool last won silverware - in the form of the 2012 League Cup - but Mignolet senses a determination within Jürgen Klopp’s squad to prevent that wait from going on beyond the upcoming season.
“It [the top-four finish] gives us the platform again to go for that trophy next year and this is what I want and what the lads in the dressing room want,” the goalkeeper told the official Liverpool FC magazine.
“Last year, we had the chance to play in two finals, but unfortunately we lost both of them.
“We have learned from that and I think everybody - not only the players, but also the fans and everybody connected with Liverpool Football Club - is really hungry for silverware. That’s what we have to challenge for next year.”
Should they successfully negotiate a two-legged play-off in August, the Reds will take their place in the group stages of the Champions League for only the second time since 2008-09.
And that represents a tantalising prospect for Mignolet.
“The European nights at Anfield are brilliant,” the Belgium international said.
“I experienced games against Real Madrid in the Champions League when we were last in it and obviously we had big nights in the Europa League against Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund.
“They were both very special and everybody here is very pleased to know we will have more European games to look forward to next season.”