Simon Mignolet has claimed Liverpool do not discuss winning the FA Cup for the departing Steven Gerrard as it would create unnecessary pressure on the team.

Liverpool secured a semi-final place against Aston Villa with a hard-fought win at Blackburn Rovers as they recovered from two successive Premier League defeats that have damaged their Champions League qualification hopes.

With Gerrard turning 35 on the day of the FA Cup final and departing for LA Galaxy this summer, much has been made of Liverpool providing their captain with the perfect send-off by lifting the trophy at Wembley on 30 May.

Presumptuous Mignolet insists that obsession does not exists

inside the dressing room, and it would be presumptuous to think of the final with Tim Sherwood’s side standing in the way.

“Nobody is talking about it,” said the Liverpool goalkeeper. “Stevie is the first one to acknowledge that. Before we speak about the final, we have got to get through the semi-final. The only thing we can keep in mind now is how to get past Villa. Then we will see what comes.”

Mignolet played an influential part in Liverpool’s win, saving well from Tom Cairney, Ben Marshall and the Rovers goalkeeper Simon Eastwood with the final kick of the game.

“Blackburn was a massive game and we needed to respond,” Mignolet said. “It wasn’t easy after the disappointment at Arsenal.” Guardian Service