Sadio Mane says he hasn’t been at a club with an atmosphere quite like Liverpool’s.
The Senegalese forward is in Spain with the rest of the squad, taking advantage of a short break in games.
Whilst there, Mane gave an interview to the official club site, speaking about Naby Keita among other things.
One interesting point he made, however, was on the squad atmosphere at Liverpool.
According to Mane, the relationships among the squad has been a unique experience for him.
Mane on the Melwood atmosphere
“You can see it [the good atmosphere],” he said.
“It is important for the team, not only on the pitch but also off the pitch is important because it can make a big difference, as it is doing now.
“It is the first club I have been at where off the pitch, all of the time the players are so close. I think that’s very, very, very good for us and for the club as well.
“We’ve started well, everything is going well. We’re training harder and it’s important we’re here to prepare for the next few weeks because they’re going to be so decisive. We know that, but we are focused, training very well and as hard as we can.”
Mane has played at four clubs in three different countries, making his comments a real compliment to Liverpool.
Every club would like to have a great atmosphere. Having an atmosphere like the one Mane describes, though, is hard to build.
You’d imagine it’s even tougher at a big club. Liverpool are working under intense pressure with a squad full of competition. Fostering a bond between everyone – and a unique one at that – is very hard and credit has to go to Jurgen Klopp there.
A lot has always been made about Klopp’s man-management skills and this is what it’s all about. Liverpool are pushing for a history-making season and need the positivity when the pressure is on.
Mane has never had such a positive atmosphere before – and it’s further evidence that we’re seeing something special at Anfield.
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