Mane’s exit not the reason for Liverpool’s underwhelming season – Robertson

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson has denied claims that the club’s struggles this season are a result of Sadio Mane’s departure last summer.

Mane left Liverpool at the end of the 2021/22 season to join Bayern Munich, after a successful six-year stay at Anfield. However, Liverpool have failed to replicate their previous successes this season, having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup.

Despite Mane’s impressive performances during his time at Liverpool, Robertson claims that the team has enough quality to cope without him.

The left-back praised Mane’s impact during their time playing together, noting that he was a joy to play with and helped him improve defensively. However, Robertson highlighted that the club has since brought in new players, such as Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, who have performed well in Mane’s absence.

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Robertson also acknowledged that injuries have played a part in Liverpool’s struggles this season. Both Diaz and Diogo Jota have missed significant periods due to injury, while the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Henderson have also been sidelined at times.

The left-back believes that once the team is back to full fitness, they will be able to compete at their previous level.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has also backed up Robertson’s comments, stating that the club has enough quality in its squad to cope with Mane’s departure.

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Klopp noted that Mane was a key player for Liverpool during his time at the club, but stressed that the team has since brought in new players who can fill the void left by his departure.

The manager also praised the attitude and work ethic of the Liverpool squad, highlighting their determination to turn their season around.

Despite Liverpool’s recent struggles, the team remains in contention for a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Reds are currently in sixth place, three points behind fourth-placed Chelsea with a game in hand. Liverpool also have a chance to salvage their season in the upcoming quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League, where they will face French side Lille.

In conclusion, while Sadio Mane’s departure was undoubtedly a blow to Liverpool, the team has shown that it has enough quality to cope without him.

With a number of new players stepping up and injured players set to return, Liverpool will be hoping to finish the season strongly and secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.