Jurgen Klopp says he is excited at the prospect of Sadio Mane getting even better as the Liverpool man enters his thirties.
Klopp was writing in his pre-Benfica programme notes as transcribed by liverpoolfc.com. The boss said he wanted to single out Mane’s performance in the 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
“Everyone who played for us on the day contributed to an important result, but I did want to pick out Sadio,” said Klopp. “It was his 30th birthday on the day of the game and he still looks as fresh and vibrant as when he joined this club as a younger professional.”
Klopp went on to comment that Mane’s contributions in a Liverpool shirt mean he should be recognised as a club legend.
“He is a machine. What he has done for this club and continues to do puts him in the bracket of ‘legend’. For LFC and Senegal he is playing to his highest level possible,” said the manager.
“What’s exciting is how he is getting better and stronger. When you see how he looks after himself and his commitment to his profession, turning 30 for him really is only a number.
“His attitude and character are elite. We are so appreciative of him and I know for sure the levels he reaches at the moment are not the peak – there is even more to come from this very special player.”
Mane the legend
Klopp’s praise for Mane’s contribution to Liverpool is entirely justified. The winger has been a sensational player for the club since joining in 2016.
Mane, who is on a £100,000-a-week contract (SI), has been virtually ever-present in the team during the success that has been achieved since then.
He has consistently scored big goals for Liverpool and has been a massive factor in The Reds securing Champions League and Premier League glory. Undoubtedly, he is a Liverpool legend.
Having said that, it has also been plain to see that his substantial powers have started to decline over the last two seasons.
Despite his goal record still being impressive, the threat he once carried has begun to diminish a little. Klopp is right to highlight Mane’s commitment to his craft, he is in impeccable shape, but it feels slightly misplaced to suggest he is still yet to reach his peak.
Contract confusion
It’s desperately sad to think that Mane’s time at Liverpool may be coming to an end. Unfortunately though, it appears that that may be the case.
There is little over a year now remaining on his contract. There doesn’t seem to have been a lot of movement on an extension. That’s despite the player reportedly being keen to stay at Liverpool.
If Klopp truly believes that Mane still has another level to reach, there should be no question that the player should be tied down.
As it is, no one quite knows what the next year-and-a-bit hold for Mane. It would be brilliant if Klopp’s words come to fruition. But it feels in Luis Diaz, Liverpool are already planning for life after the legend that is Sadio.
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