Trevor Sinclair: Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp a reason for Sadio Mane exit

Trevor Sinclair names Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as a reason for the transfer of Sadio Mane

Former England midfielder Trevor Sinclair said on talkSPORT (h/t Liverpool Echo) that Jurgen Klopp was one of the reasons Sadio Mane left Liverpool this summer to join Bayern Munich.

The 49-year-old believes that the Senegalese international wasn’t appreciated at the club and that fans shouldn’t be surprised that the forward left Merseyside to sign for the German champions.

“One, I don’t think he’s ever been lauded and appreciated at the football club like Virgil van Dijk or Mo Salah.
“Two, the fact that Liverpool let his contract go down to the last year kind of suggests that that’s how they felt about him.”

Trevor Sinclair names Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp as a reason for the transfer of Sadio Mane. — Trevor Sinclair believes Sadio Mane was underappreciated at the club. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Sinclair goes on to add that where the manager was at fault was for the comments about the Africa Cup of Nations. Klopp called the African tournament “little” in a press conference back in November.

“Three, I think the main thing is that Jurgen Klopp lost him when he came out and belittled the AFCON tournament.”

The 49-year-old believes Mane made up his mind to leave after the German boss made those comments. It is pretty clear from these statements that our rivals will go to any lengths to push their agenda.

Mane wanted a new challenge

In his farewell interview, Mane made it clear that he was looking for a new challenge. The Senegalese won every major title with Liverpool. The 30-year-old featured 269 times for the Reds, scoring 120 goals and assisting 48 more.

Mane’s time at Anfield was fruitful, and while it was surprising to hear him looking for a move away after enjoying success with the Merseyside club, fans respect his decision.

Whatever the former England midfielder might believe, Mane was and will be cherished by the Anfield crowd. The Senegalese has provided the Kop with ample memories to cherish.

The 30-year-old’s contract was going to end next season, similar to Mohamed Salah. It had nothing to do with him being underappreciated.

Also, what Sinclair fails to realise is that Klopp’s comments were taken out of context. The German manager had no intentions of belittling the tournament and in fact, was being sarcastic. The boss went on and clarified his statements later.

More Liverpool News

Mane is a legend at Anfield and forever will remain one. It doesn’t matter what certain people believe. Liverpool fans only wish him well and hope the Senegalese finds success in Germany.