Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is missing Sadio Mane and provided further clarity around the forward's departure from Liverpool during the summer.
Having joined the Reds in 2016, Mane scored 120 goals from 269 appearances as he helped Klopp’ s side win every major honour on offer. However, the forward, whose contract was due to expire next summer, decided to call time on his Anfield career after last season’s Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Pushing for a move to Bayern Munich, the Senegal international ended up joining the Bundesliga giants in a deal worth up to £35m. However, Liverpool have struggled since his departure. But when asked about the departure of Mane from his squad, Klopp appeared to hit back at suggestions that his side’s mixed form so far this season is down to the former Southampton man's departure.
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"A good guy and a top player. But missing it sounds like I still want him here. I think it's really okay that Sadio just wanted to do something different,” Klopp told Sky Germany.
"Absolutely. I totally respect that. The way it went was great. We knew that he would do something different without breaking up badly. That must be possible in life.
“That's exactly what happened. Missing? Yes! But I'm happy too. That he's where he wanted to be. We'll solve our problems here.
“Sadio is an outstanding player. Everyone in Munich saw that too. He's absolutely world class. Everything will be fine."
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