Ex-Liverpool star blames Jurgen Klopp for Sadio Mane exit

Former Liverpool midfielder Salif Diao believes Jurgen Klopp was a factor behind Sadio Mane’s decision to leave the club this summer.

Mane won six trophies during his spell at Liverpool, including the Premier League and the Champions League, and had established himself as a key part of Klopp’s attack alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

But Mane opted to end his time at Liverpool in the summer and with one year left on his contract, the Senegal international joined Bayern Munich in a £35 million deal.

However, Diao feels Klopp played a part in Mane’s exit at Liverpool.

‘I think he has been here for a couple of years and I think at some point he thought he did not have the love that he needed really, here at Anfield,’ Diao told the Liverpool Echo.

‘I’m not talking about the fans, for him I think it was more with the manager.

‘Things weren’t really going on as they should be so that’s why he decided to go for a new challenge.

‘I think as a top player, every time you stay four, five years at a top club, sometimes it’s good to go for a new challenge.’

Diao also insists Darwin Nunez would need time to adjust at Liverpool following his £85m move from Benfica in June.

‘Everyone knew it would be hard,’ Diao said.

‘For any player coming in, it would be hard to take his place. I think people didn’t realise the hard work he has been doing here at Liverpool.

‘It’s normal, he’s a top player. He’s been one of the best top three players, if not the best, over the past four years in the world. He’s proven on all levels. Of course it would be hard for any player to come in and fill his space. It’s going to take time.’

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