Jürgen Klopp blamed for Sadio Mané's departure from Liverpool
Salif Diao blames Klopp for the Senegalese’s departure. He left for Bayern in the last transfer window.
Sadio Mané formed, alongside Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah, an attacking trio that created history at Anfield. Mané helped guide Liverpool to Champions League and Premier League titles in his hugely successful spell on Merseyside.
The relationship between the three forwards and the architect of this work, Jürgen Klopp, was worsening. There was less game time for Firmino and the arrivals of Luis Díaz and Diogo Jota pointed to the fact that a change was near. It was Mané who brought about the change.
Bayern move for Mané
The Senegalese decided to swap Liverpool for Munich this summer to try to replace Robert Lewandowski up front. Julian Nagelsmann wanted a more mobile attack and the striker to test himself away from Anfield. After closing the transfer for €32 million, Mané left the Reds after six brilliant years.
Although his start to life in Germany has not been exactly easy (11 games, 5 goals), the new challenge seems to have been the main incentive for Mané. This was noted by former Liverpool player Salif Diao after the match between Liverpool and Manchester United legends. He also pointed to a worsening relationship with Klopp as the reason for his departure.
“I think he came to the conclusion a couple of years ago that he wasn’t getting the affection he needed. Here at Anfield. I don’t mean the fans, I think it was more with the manager. Things weren’t going the way they should and that’s why he decided to look for a new challenge. I think as a top player, when you are four or five years at a club, it can be good to look for a new challenge,” Diao said.