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Simon Mignolet has revealed why Liverpool’s players shelved plans for a Christmas bash as he insisted: “The party can wait until May.”

Many of their Premier League rivals have been spotted out celebrating during the festive season but Brendan Rodgers’ squad haven’t followed suit.

The Belgian keeper says it was a collective decision to keep the focus solely on their pursuit of glory this term.

With last Saturday’s victory over Cardiff the first of four league matches in the space of just 10 days, Mignolet believes it’s vital that there are no distractions for the high-flying Reds.

“There’s no Christmas party for the players this year,” Mignolet told the ECHO.

“We decided that the schedule is just too busy for the moment. We are all focused on the matches we’ve got during this period.

“Things are going well and we need to keep doing what we’re doing. It’s about ensuring we are well prepared for the next challenge.

“If there needs to be celebrations then we will do it when the time is right. The party can wait until May.”

After giving his side Christmas Day off 12 months ago, Rodgers then had to sit and endure a 3-1 defeat at Stoke City 24 hours later.

This time around there will be no repeat. Liverpool will train at Melwood on Christmas Day as they step up preparations for the crunch Boxing Day showdown against Manchester City.

The only present on Mignolet’s wish list is ending City’s 100% record at the Etihad Stadium this season.

“The fact it’s Christmas Day doesn’t make any difference for us – it’s the day before a big game so we will be training,” he said.

“Everybody is professional enough in the dressing room to cope with these type of situations.

“What do I want for Christmas? Just a win on Boxing Day would be great.

“This is always a nice period for families. Both my missus’ parents and my own parents are over here for Christmas.

“The only difference between a Belgian Christmas and an English Christmas is that most people in Belgium celebrate more on Christmas Eve than on Christmas Day. We still have turkey!”

Mignolet certainly wasn’t short of support for last weekend’s visit of Cardiff. Not only were a group of his family and friends in attendance but also a large contingent from the Flemish Reds.

The supporters’ club in his homeland has blossomed since his £9million switch to Anfield from Sunderland last summer.

“There were about 150 Belgians over for it,” he said.

“There was one bus for our friends and another bus organised by the fan club.

“The Flemish Reds were around before I signed but their numbers have certainly increased.

“There is big support for the club in Belgium and it’s getting bigger. It’s great to have that kind of backing.”

Liverpool’s impressive run of four straight wins – inspired by the stunning form of Luis Suarez – has sparked talk of a title challenge in the second half of the campaign.

However, Mignolet won’t look any further ahead than Thursday’s clash with City.

“We’ve got off to a good start but it’s a long season,” he added.

“There are still a lot of games to be played and a lot of things can happen between now and the end of the season.

“We know where we want to be but it’s about taking the most we can from every game.

“Everything is forgotten about after a win. We look forward and as a footballer you are always just thinking about the next test.

“It’s a big game against Manchester City and we want to do well there. We’ll work hard in training and get ourselves ready for it.”