Jurgen Klopp worried over Mane’s loss of form

Liverpool manager Klopp has admitted he needs to help Sadio Mane return to his old self after revealing his concern by his loss of form and lack of confidence in front of goal

The Senegalese forward has proved a massive success since an initial £30m move from Southampton in 2016. He has scored a total of 93 goals in 203 appearances for the club and is regarded as one of the world’s best players. Indeed, Mane finished fourth in the 2019 Ballon d’Or vote.

However, this season has seen Mane – like so many of his teammates – suffer a big drop in standards. He has struggled in front of goal, finding the back of the net just once in his last 12 top-flight starts.

Indeed, he has just 12 goals in 39 games this season. His body-language even suggests some mental fatigue.

To that end, Klopp has admitted the issue might be playing on Mane’s mind.

Read AlsoMane charges Liverpool to fight and not excuses

“We all know how good Sadio Mane is and what a player he is,” Klopp said. “The numbers, scoring-wise, are not great for us at the moment. He knows that. With a player with the mindset of Sadio, he wants to do extremely well.

“I’m not concerned but I see it as well, that’s clear. We work on it, that’s the only answer I can give.”

Klopp concedes that Mane is not carrying an injury and the issue may be more a mental one.