Jurgen Klopp credits Senegal coach Aliou Cisse for a job well done

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Nov 14, 2017. 12:30

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp says Senegal coach Aliou Cisse has done a great job with his Senegalese side after reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The Lions of Teranga beat South Africa 2-0 on Friday in their penultimate Group D encounter as they secured a spot in Russia, their first in the World Cup since 2002.

The Lions of Teranga, however, will be without Sadio Mane in the return leg on Tuesday as the 25-year-old returned to England to assess his recurring injury.

“Aliou Cisse and his guys have done a fantastic job there and you can see them making a real impact in Russia come next summer. Personally speaking, I’m delighted for Sadio,” said Klopp to the club's official website.

“Everyone in Liverpool knows his ability and the best players should be on the best stage - Sadio will now have this wonderful chance.

“Specifically on him returning to Melwood early to be with us; obviously it is a concern that the hamstring injury is again on the agenda and it will be critical for us to monitor and manage that in the coming days.

“At this stage we haven’t seen Sadio yet to properly assess the extent, but what is clear is that we will have to stay on top of this for the rest of the week and make sure we are careful in how we look after him.

“There has been really strong communication between ourselves and the Senegal team management to ensure the player is properly protected and looked after.

“We respect how important he is for Senegal and therefore it must always be the case that they get to make the decision when he is under their care.”

The Reds will host Southampton in the English Premier League on Saturday at Anfield Stadium and Klopp will hope to have Mane back for the tie.