Liverpool may or not have the chance to finish the season and then claim the Premier League crown in a season that has been disrupted by the coronavirus crisis. Unless the season is ended with a null and void status, which would seem highly unlikely according to most media reports, the campaign can resume at some point in the not too distant future (maybe behind closed doors) and the Reds can claim their first top-flight title in 30 years. The Kop kings are 25 points ahead of Manchester City who are in second place.
In the meantime, Anfield head coach Jurgen Klopp has been reflecting on the period that saw him secure the services of Kop favourite Sadio Mane. The goal-getter made the switch from Southampton to Liverpool four years ago and since his arrival he has been in red-hot form and provided a key component to the Reds machinery as they march from success to success. The fact that the lightning-quick Senegal international has rattled home an incredible 77 goals in 161 appearances provides all the evidence you need to know he is an extremely valuable player for the Merseysiders.
Speaking in a newly released documentary, Made In Senegal, all about the Liverpool attacker, Klopp explained that he had kept tabs on Mane when he was the boss of Borussia Dortmund and the marksman was hitting the headlines for his exploits in the name of Red Bull Salzburg. His knowledge of the players and his subsequent acquisition was, as Klopp says, a win-win situation. Liverpool supporters everywhere agree wholeheartedly of course!
The German coach said:
“Our team at Dortmund back then really wasn’t bad. I needed someone who could handle not being a starter at the very beginning, someone I could develop. I’d say I have a pretty good feeling for people, but was I wrong! I followed his further career and continuing success in Salzburg. In Southampton he just dominated. It was great when he joined Liverpool. Sadio wanted to work with me as much as I did with him, so it was a win-win situation.”
Meanwhile, Sane, who has earned 69 international caps for his country and in the process managed to hit 19 goals, has a philosophical approach to the season resuming. While admitting he is keen to win things, he also understands the current crisis. When quizzed whether he feels like a Premier League winner yet, the Senegalese wide-man told UK radio station Talksport:
“I think not yet. I love my job and I love football, I want to win on the pitch. I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it’s what I would love. But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.”
