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Jurgen Klopp downplays Sadio Mane’s angry reaction to being transferred by Mo Salah during the 7-0 win at Crystal Palace … as he insists the Liverpool star was ‘absolutely fine’ when they spoke after full time
Jurgen Klopp has played down Sadio Mane’s irate reaction to being substituted during the win over Crystal Palace, as the Liverpool manager emphasized that his players are “human beings”.
The Reds were in brilliant form when they ran over Roy Hodgson’s side in a 7-0 win on Saturday, with Mane, Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah, Takumi Minamino and Jordan Henderson on the roster.
Klopp played a different team since a 2-1 win over Spurs on Wednesday, introducing Salah from the bench for the Senegalese star early in the second half of the game.
Jurgen Klopp has downplayed Sadio Mane’s irate response to being substituted at the Palace
The Senegalese was on the scoreboard when Liverpool beat Crystal Palace for SEVEN on Saturday
And Mane looked visibly upset at being removed from the game, cutting off an exasperated figure as he trudged off the field in the 57th minute.
But the Liverpool manager has downplayed the incident, insisting his star was not angry at being dragged out before 60 minutes.
“He wasn’t angry that Mo was going to come in,” Klopp told BT Sport. “He wasn’t happy, he looked at his watch or he looked at the free throw; I didn’t see him on the field until after the free throw.”
However, Mane seemed upset about being dragged out before the time mark for Mohamed Salah.
Mane cut a dejected figure as he watched Liverpool add three more goals to the scoreboard
The Liverpool manager insisted that Mane is ‘absolutely fine’ and that his stars are not ‘soldiers’
Klopp added that his players are not “soldiers” and that it is natural for them to have emotional reactions to certain decisions.
You can’t play soccer like that if you’re a soldier who does everything the boss says. They do what I tell them but they are somewhat human beings in their reaction. We talked after the game and Sadio was absolutely fine. ”
Liverpool extended their lead at the top of the Premier League before the remaining top flight games this weekend as the Reds enter the busy holiday period.
The Reds have over a week to rest and recuperate for Sam Allardyce’s visit to West Bromwich Albion before facing grueling road trips to Newcastle and Southampton in the space of three days.
