Klopp: why I was shouting at Mane at full-time

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Jurgen Klopp insists all is well with Sadio Mane after the pair were captured in a heated exchange at full-time of Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea.

Mane was one of five changes made to the team that started in the 3-3 Champions League midweek draw against Sevilla, with Roberto Firmino also notably being dropped to the bench.

The Senegalese forward wasn’t introduced until the 89th minute, shortly after Willian had equalised to secure a deserved point for Chelsea.

Reflecting on the discussion, Klopp claimed Mane’s anger was fuelled by his decision to set him up from the right wing.

“I was shouting at him because he was in the centre, but no player is happy about that,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“You come on the pitch in three minutes and you feel like you already have 150 minutes in your legs. I wanted to sort it immediately.”

“He was not happy and he said to me Mo wanted to come into the position, but Mo had already 90 minutes in his legs so it would have made more sense that Sadio is closer to the right wing and can start the game from this position.”

“It’s not a big thing; we could have done it in the dressing room and it would have been the same thing. Everything is sorted immediately and that’s it.”

In retrospect, it may not have been the ideal game for Klopp to rotate so significantly, with Mane’s introduction coming too late for him to make a real impact.

Nonetheless, a fair result could make the rest for Mane and Firmino worthwhile during the packed winter period Liverpool are scheduled to face.

Though Mane’s omission was widely-contested, it’s worth noting just well Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain performed in his absence.

The deadline-day signing yet again looked at home in Klopp’s system and produced the vital delicate touch to assist Mohamed Salah’s goal.

Having missed out on Saturday, Reds can expect to see Mane back in the team for Wednesday’s trip to Stoke. 

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