PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Sadio Mane - Why he is very important to Liverpool

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Friday Dec 01, 2017. 16:00

Despite news suggesting that Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had a bust up with his Senegalese star Sadio Mane, the manager has since praised the attacker.

News reports in England revealed that Klopp had a fall out with with Mane after last weekend's English Premier League clash against Chelsea.

Although both parties said it is now dead and buried, Mane said it was all a friendly chat after the game and insists there is no friction between him and the coach.

Following that 1-1 draw against the Blues at home, the Reds met Stoke City and handed them a 3-0 drubbing on Wednesday.

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Egyptian international, Mohamed Salah scored a brace and the Lions of Teranga man was also on the score sheet.

After the encounter, the German manager heaped praise on the 25-year-old attacker, saying Mane is very important for them.

"Good, good, good. Very important for us," said the Reds boss.

"He needs rhythm now. Perfect, little break, good, little break. Now he needs a little bit of time, it's no problem. I'm fine with him.

"We all know in one or two situations if he is in a 'click' moment he can score as well in these situations, it looks similar to when Mo (Mohamed Salah) is in the moment.

"That's all good, he's ready to work, very important for us."

The Anfield-base side will now face Brighton and Hove Albion away on Saturday and Mane will want to impress his manager once again.