Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes Sadio Mane enjoyed his best game of the calendar year against Manchester City on Saturday – and hints he may now be forced to rethink the forward’s best position.
Mane has enjoyed another solid season for the Reds. Prior to Saturday, he had still scored 16 goals and weighing in with one assist. That tally though is still some way down on his best season for Liverpool in 2018/19 when he scored 26 times.
Now 30, Mane is out of contract in summer 2023 and, in a sense, very much playing for his future at Anfield. That said, a report on Sunday claims Liverpool have come to a firm decision on his future.
Competition in the Reds forward ranks is currently as tough as ever. And Mane is competing alongside Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Roberto Firmino and Luis Diaz for a place in the attack. Liverpool also have cult hero Divock Origi waiting in reserve.
Usually deployed on the left of a three, Mane played in a more central role against Manchester City on Saturday. And the Senegalese star played a major role, scoring twice as the Reds recorded a 3-2 win over Pep Guardiola’s side to book an FA Cup final spot.
There were many observers who rated the game as Mane’s best yet this season for Liverpool.
Responding to the claim, Klopp admits Mane perhaps enjoyed his best outing of 2022. He denied theories though that the signing of Diaz may have pushed Mane to a new level.
Klopp backing for Sadio Mane
“I’ve known Sadio nearly six years, as far as I have known him he’s never needed competition to be the best version of himself. I’m not sure bringing in Luis affected that part of his game. But playing centre suits Sadio very well as well.
“Sadio had some physical struggles since he came back (from AFCON). He couldn’t use his immense physicality every few days. Before game v City, I thought it looks like Sadio physically and that’s why he was able to play the game he played.”
Saturday’s Wembley clash marked another…