Saturday, 25th October, 2014
Manchester United legend Peter Schmeichel has sprung to the defence of under-fire Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.
The Belgian has been blasted for his form between the sticks this season and was accused of "bottling it" against Real Madrid in midweek Champions League action when, in the face of an oncoming striker, he went in with his feet first, rather than standing up to the threat, as a result conceding the goal.
Schmeichel however believes that Mignolet's form is not abysmal and has accused the Liverpool defence of failing to provide him with adequate protection.
The Dane, a former goalkeeper himself, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I don't think that Liverpool's Simon Mignolet has done too badly, but he has not done too well either.
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"Now he has had a bit of criticism it is a test of his mental strength as much as anything. As a goalkeeper you are alone with your thoughts for a long time.
"It is hard, but I don't think that he has been afforded enough protection by his defence. I think he has been very unfairly treated", Schmeichel added.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers signed Mignolet from Sunderland in 2013, offloading Spain international goalkeeper Pepe Reina to make the Belgian his number 1.
Reina spent last term on loan at Napoli, helping the Azzurri to third spot in Serie A and success in the Coppa Italia.
He left Liverpool this summer on a permanent basis to join German champions Bayern Munich.
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