Sadio Mane: Jurgen Klopp says ‘no problem’ with Liverpool forward after full-time show of annoyance
The No. 10 was left out of the line-up but his team picked up a vital win
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Liverpool beat Manchester United on Thursday night for Jurgen Klopp to claim his first victory at Old Trafford as the Reds’ manager, but post-match the boss had to face questions on one his players’ apparent show of petulance.
Sadio Mane was left on the subs bench for the crucial game, with Diogo Jota picked on the left of the front three in his place.
The Portuguese attacker notched the equaliser in style with a back-heel from close range, as Liverpool came from behind to win 4-2 and keep their top-four hopes alive.
Mane appeared as a second-half substitute, but after full-time as his manager approached him for a congratulatory fist-bump, the Senegal international waved Klopp off and refused the acknowledgement of the result.
The Reds have had issues in front of goal over the past few weeks and Mane’s goal rate has been much-reduced this season, with Klopp saying he made a late call over the line-up, but refuted the suggestion that there was any issue between himself and his player.
“No problem, yesterday I made the late decision in training to decide on Diogo,” Klopp said.
“The boys are used that I explain [line-up] things usually, but there was no time.
“It’s all good.”
The three points keep Liverpool in the hunt for a Champions League spot, leaving them four points behind Chelsea with one game in hand.
Klopp’s team will at worst finish level on points with Leicester if they win their remaining three games, as the third-placed Foxes and Chelsea meet in the Premier League as well as the FA Cup final.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments