Jurgen Klopp believes his forward Sadio Mane is a manchine with the level of comittemnt and effort he has shown so far as he claims there is more to come from the Senegalese.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp says his forward Sadio Mane is a machine despite his age as he believes there is more to come from the Senegalese.
Mane was on target against League leaders in the 2-2 premier league draw at the Etihad stadium.
The Senegalese who turned 30-years-old has been in an incredible form for the Reds and also for his country.
Klopp, who spoke ahead of their Champions League return leg against Benfica at Anfield believe there is more to be expected from Mane.
In the matchday programme for the Benfica tie, Klopp writes: “Everyone who played for us on the day contributed to an important result, but I did want to pick out Sadio.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Klopp reflect on their meeting with Benfica as he claims it still a game that needs to take very seriously.
Befinca knocked out Ajax in the round of 16 and showed how dangerous they can be in the first leg of the tie.
“We had huge respect for Benfica before we travelled there to face them last week, but that has only increased following the first-leg contest. Yes, the scoreline on the night was in our favour and we have an advantage.
“But anyone who watched the game and certainly those of us competing directly in it appreciate their quality and the danger they pose. There were periods where we had to show real resilience.
“They are brave and smart. They are well-organised. They have a proper goal threat. I was conscious when starting this column that in some respects the messages within might be similar to when we faced Inter Milan at Anfield in the second leg of our last-16 tie.
“As with tonight, we arrived into the game with a two-goal lead. As with tonight, we knew the contest was far from over. And as with tonight, we knew there were at least 90 minutes in which both teams could fight to get to the next round. We knew all this ahead of the Inter Milan second leg and so it proved.
“It was such a battle to get through. But that’s how it should be. This is the best club competition in world sport. It’s ferociously hard in each and every game and we expect it to be exactly the same this evening – if not even harder because we are a round further on.”
