KUALA LUMPUR – Are Liverpool missing Sadio Mane?
Reds legend Sami Hyypia believes that the departure of the Senegalese winger to Bayern Munich has left a void in Jurgen Klopp’s squad, which has resulted in the team’s stuttering start this season.
“I think we are missing him (Mane). He scored many important goals for the club and was a big part of the team for the last few seasons.
“But if a player wants to leave the club, it is difficult to make him stay. That is the reality in football,” said the former Finnish centre back.
Mane signed a three-year contract with Bayern for a reported fee of €32 million (RM145 million) this summer.
Hyypia, who played for Liverpool from 1999 to 2009, said the team have also been hampered by several injuries in the squad.
“We are not enjoying a good start to the season. The issue with injuries is that they are unpredictable.
“But now with the international break, and the Premier League taking a break after the queen’s death, Klopp should be able to fix the squad and get injured players back to form,” he added.
Among the Liverpool players who are sidelined are captain Jordan Henderson, Andy Robertson, Ibrahim Konate, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
However, Hyypia believes that if Klopp can turn things around, Liverpool will be title contenders this year.
“It was the same story last season but we managed to catch up with Manchester City after falling 14 points behind. There is still a long way to go in the season, the squad is good enough to be at the top. Anything can happen,” said the 49-year-old.
Hyypia made 318 appearances for Liverpool and scored 22 goals during his time at Anfield.
He led the team alongside Robbie Fowler to a historic treble – the League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup – under the leadership of then manager Gerard Houllier in 2001.
The Liverpool legend was in Kuala Lumpur today for the launch of the first Liverpool FC premium merchandise store by Al-Ikhsan Sports at the Sunway Pyramid Mall.
At the event, Al-Ikhsan Sports chief executive officer Vach Pillutla said he hopes the store will become a main hub for all Liverpool supporters to do their purchasing.
“Sunway Pyramid is a strategic location, and it has easy access to the people of Klang Valley,” he said.
Previously, Liverpool FC had extended their partnership with Al-Ikhsan Sports to a multi-year renewal. – The Vibes, September 30, 2022
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