Jurgen Klopp has recently expressed remorse towards former Liverpool player Sadio Mane for a missed opportunity during his time at Borussia Dortmund. As Liverpool prepares to face Nottingham Forest at Anfield, this revelation adds an intriguing layer to the team’s current dynamics amidst disappointing recent performances.
Klopp’s Apology to Mane
Sadio Mane shared insights about his relationship with Jurgen Klopp during an appearance on the “Rio Ferdinand Presents” podcast. Mane recounted how Klopp had wanted to sign him while managing Dortmund but was unable to do so. Instead, Mane joined Liverpool from Southampton in 2016, where he flourished for eight years.
In their conversation, Mane revealed that Klopp had reached out to him when he became Liverpool’s manager. Klopp apologised, stating, “It was my fault you didn’t come to Dortmund.” Mane remembered the conversation fondly, explaining Klopp’s eagerness to build a competitive team that players would dread facing. He added, “This is my Klopp. This is the right…this is what I want.”
During his successful stint at Liverpool, Mane scored 120 goals and notched 46 assists in 269 matches. His contributions played a pivotal role in securing major titles, including the Premier League and Champions League.
Chiesa’s Situation with the National Team
Meanwhile, pressure is mounting on Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa regarding his absence from the Italian national team. Italy’s head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has indicated that Chiesa, who last played for Italy during the Euro 2024 Round of 16, has been absent due to undisclosed issues.
- Chiesa has not represented Italy since June 2024.
- He has turned down national team call-ups for September, October, and November.
- In his current season at Liverpool, Chiesa has contributed two goals and three assists.
Gattuso emphasized his commitment to integrating Chiesa back into the national setup, but acknowledged the player’s own hurdles. Fabio Graziani, a World Cup winner, stated that Chiesa’s return is vital for Italy’s hopes of qualifying for the next World Cup. He noted a lack of standout talents in the current roster and advocated for Chiesa’s reinstatement.
Liverpool’s Current Form
The Reds are currently feeling the pressure as they sit eighth in the Premier League standings after a disheartening 3-0 defeat to Manchester City. Previously, they had shown promise by winning games against Aston Villa and Real Madrid, but consistency remains elusive. As they look forward to facing Nottingham Forest, securing points has never been more crucial for Liverpool as they aim to revive their title challenge.
