Liverpool to Focus on Themselves and not Manchester City Ahead of League Cup Final

Liverpool haven't been in a cup final since they did the double in 2012 when they featured in both the League and FA Cup finals. They won one and lost one, but they were high points in an otherwise lacklustre season for Liverpool fans. This season has shaped up much the same way so far, but goalkeeper Simon Mignolet insists Liverpool can only focus on themselves rather than Manchester City when they meet in the League Cup final at the end of February.

"We have to look at our own job and make sure we as Liverpool are ready when it is Wembley time," Mignolet explained in an interview with talkSPORT. "A final is always something difficult, and you have to make sure you are focused on your own job rather than your opponents. We know Manchester City have got a very good side with lots of individual quality but if we are at our best we don't have to worry about any opponent."

City currently sit second on goal difference in the Premier League table and boast a formidable slate of talent at their disposal. It's enough to make Liverpool's job much more difficult, but Jürgen Klopp was handed a boost when it was revealed that City's attacking midfielder and Mignolet's Belgian compatriot Kevin de Bruyne would miss the match due to injury.

"I saw it last night, and I hope it's not too serious," Mignolet continued. "Something similar happened the other week with [fellow Belgian] Jan Vertonghen at Tottenham also. We're all looking forward to the Euros, and so it's niggling to see what the verdict (on De Bruyne) is. Let's hope it's not too serious, and that he can play sooner rather than later."

But, you know, just not before February 28th.