Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said there is “no problem” with Sadio Mane after being blanked by the furious forward at full-time against Manchester United.
Klopp chose to leave Mane out of the starting line-up for Liverpool’s huge match against the Red devils at Old Trafford as Diogo Jota was given a start.
Jota rewarded Klopp’s faith with a goal while Mane was left unhappy having come off the bench. But, It was a successful night for Liverpool with a 4-2 victory – their first win at Old Trafford in seven years – to boost their top four hopes.
But Mane visibly showed his frustrations and even refused to acknowledge Klopp when he tried to congratulate the Senegalese forward at full-time.
Responding to the incident after the match, Klopp told Sky Sports: “No there’s no problem. Yesterday I made a late decision in training to go with Diogo Jota. I would usually explain it but there was no time for that. It is all fine.”
Despite Klopp playing down the incident, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness accused Mane of “disrespecting” both Klopp and the club with his reaction.
Souness told Sky Sports: “It’s never happened to me, so I can’t tell you what I’d be like in that situation, but I would not be happy.
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“I think he should’ve shook his hand. He doesn’t want a cuddle, doesn’t want to be loved by Jurgen, but he should show a bit of respect.
“It’s disrespectful to the manager, disrespectful, most importantly, to the football club. Of course he’s not happy at being left out, but can he really argue? He’s not had a great season.
“How could you argue with the fact he’s been a sub and Liverpool have won here at Old Trafford 4-2, which is not a happy hunting ground for them.”
Despite Mane’s frustrations, Liverpool’s victory keeps their hopes of a top four finish alive. Klopp said: “Great fight, good game, intense, how a derby should be. Since I’m at Liverpool, our first win at Old Trafford. Good timing, I would say.
“We needed it, obviously. We fought hard for it, we deserved it, so all good.”
