Liverpool sold Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich last summer. It came as a shock to everyone. One would remember when news broke out that he could leave.
It was just before the UEFA Champions League. At a time we were trying to win a historic quadruple. Psychologically, it started playing games… there isn’t anything concrete to suggest that it did.
But it was on every fan’s mind going into those crucial games in May. When he left, Liverpool signed Darwin Nunez and in the following window, Cody Gakpo.
The team have done horribly this season as they sit seven points away from the top-four spot and are out of all competitions. Journalist Dean Jones is of the view that Mane’s departure has played a big role in this.
He told GiveMeSport:
“If they were offered Sadio Mane back, then they would 100% jump at the chance, I’m sure. I’m still convinced that his departure absolutely rocked everyone. I think that one of the big reasons that this Liverpool team’s wheels have fallen off this season is because they lost Mane.”
This is a very naive way of looking at things. Most Liverpool fans who have followed the club for several years would tell you that Mane or not, this season was a long time coming.
We just weren’t investing in midfield. Even after Georginio Wijnaldum’s free transfer to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), we did not sign anyone to replace him. We needed two top midfielders during that window.
That, coupled with the lack of competition in defensive midfield and Jordan Henderson’s notable slump in form made our midfield, at times, a laughing stock. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita’s injuries haven’t helped.
Mane, Messi, or even prime Kenny Dalglish wouldn’t have been able to do much in this team whose midfield has been all over the place, be it due to form, lack of depth, injuries or favouritism in selection. If we are offered the chance to sign Mane, let’s pass on it.
We have Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and more importantly, Luis Diaz. This quartet is one of the best in the world on paper.
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