Liverpool forward Sadio Mane says he will “understand” if they are denied winning the Premier League title due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Jurgen Klopp’s side looked destined to lift their first top-flight trophy in 30 years until English football was suspended amid the crisis which has gripped the planet.
As it stands the 2019/20 season has been suspended indefinitely and will only resume when it is safe and appropriate to do so, although there have been calls to make the campaign null and void.
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That would stop the Reds winning the title, despite their huge 25-point advantage over Manchester City and being just two victories away from being crowned champions.
“I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it’s what I would love,” Mane told talkSPORT. “But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.
“It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world. Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation.
“But for myself, it’s my dream and I want to win it this year. If that’s not the case, I will accept, it’s part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year.”
However Liverpool were handed a boost on Tuesday when UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said he could see “no way” they could finish the current season without the Premier League title.
The recommendation to award Liverpool the title just like Club Brugge still needs to be endorsed at a general assembly meeting on April 15.
Mane, though, says he does not yet feel like a champion, adding: “I think not yet. I love my job and I love football, I want to win on the pitch.”
