Jurgen Klopp has played down Sadio Mane’s frustrated post-match reaction after Liverpool beat Manchester United 4-2 at Old Trafford. Mane was brought on as a second-half substitute for Diogo Jota as the Reds gave their top-four hopes a massive boost with their first win away at United since March 2014. After the final whistle, Mane appeared to shun Klopp as the manager was seeking out the forward for a routine handshake. Asked to explain the flashpoint,
Jurgen Klopp said: “Yes, I made a late decision in training, really late and changed Diogo for Sadio. And the players are used to that, I explain that, but I didn’t do that properly or whatever. And in that moment for a Premier League game, Sadio was obviously not too happy, that is all. The boys are used to me explaining but there was no time for that, that’s the situation. All fine.”
The victory sends the Reds to within four points of Chelsea in the final Champions League spot and Klopp’s side also have a game in hand to play as they conclude their campaign against West Brom, Burnley and Crystal Palace over the next 10 days.
Jurgen Klopp added: It was Klopp’s first win at Old Trafford and one that was perfectly timed, he said. I like the timing of the win, I would say tonight we needed it the most. We did it, but I know it is very tricky to win here, that is why it took so long. We really deserved it tonight with the way we played. We had some difficult moments in the game but it makes it a good result. We finished all our situations off and we dealt with all the setbacks in the game, we conceded, didn’t get the penalty and all these kinds of things. So when you do that you are in a good way.”
