Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hit back at suggestion their inconsistent start to the season is related to Sadio Mane's departure.
The 30-year-old left Anfield in the summer after six years with the club to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Liverpool have struggled to put together a good run of games so far this term and began their Champions League campaign last week with a 4-1 defeat away at Napoli.
They currently sit seventh in the Premier League table with nine points out of a possible 18 so far. Liverpool did, however, take a huge step in getting back on track on Tuesday night with a crucial 2-1 win over Ajax at Anfield.
READ MORE: Julian Nagelsmann shares Sadio Mane concern amid Bayern Munich struggles after Liverpool move
Mane was a key figure under Klopp and contributed 23 goals and five assists in all competitions last season. The Liverpool boss acknowledged any team would miss a player of the Senegalese's calibre but insisted their form isn't down to his exit.
“Sadio is a world class player. It was always clear that we were going to miss him,” he told Norwegian broadcaster TV2. “But this is not our problem now. Unfortunately, we also played bad games with Sadio. Not ‘so’ bad, but bad.
“I especially understand that the Liverpool fans want to discuss it, want solutions and things like that. But trust me, we have worked on solutions, and now we have the opportunity to show that we have understood it, and that we will react.”
Since joining Bayern, Mane has made 10 appearances in all competitions and scored give goals so far. Manager Julian Nagelsmann spoke of the player's form after their win over Barcelona earlier this week and admitted the winger will need time to adapt.
"He put in so much for Liverpool," the Bayern boss said. "He's a new signing. He just needs to adapt. He was trying. I'm certain he will succeed for us."
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