31st August, 2019
Jurgen Klopp says that Sadio Mane’s angry reaction on the Liverpool bench at Burnley wasn’t down to the fact that he had just been substituted.
Mane was taken off for Divock Origi shortly after failing to receive a pass from Mohamed Salah when the score was 3-0, with the Egyptian instead opting to turn back on himself and shoot with his right foot, with his tame effort saved by Nick Pope.
When he was taken off, the Senegalese could be seen walking past Klopp and shouting at a member of Liverpool’s staff on the bench, and ended up being comforted by fellow goalscorer Roberto Firmino, who had also just been replaced.
“Sadio Mane is an emotional guy, we are all individuals,” said Klopp to Sky Sports.
“Something went not as he wanted, it is not the substitution. We will clarify it in the dressing room.”
Klopp went on to praise the performance of his side in the win, which was achieved thanks to a Chris Wood own goal and strikes from Mane and Firmino.
“We were brilliant, there were so many 50/50 situations because of the long balls but we played early balls in behind as well,” he said.
“In moments we played really, really good football. Everything was there.
“We were a bit lucky with the first goal but we forced that situation. We controlled the game as much as you can. Wood and Barnes fight so hard for these balls, and we defended it really well. We were aggressive but gave away no fouls, we worked our socks off.
“Burnley play football as well, we had opportunities to score on the counter-attack, you have to prepare the trigger. This sort of game is a real challenge for our concentration. You have to be ready.”