Belief behind Mane's sensational start, says Klopp

Sadio Mane is surprising even himself with his form for Liverpool, according to Jurgen Klopp.

Published : Aug 24, 2018 10:09 IST

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes a greater sense of self-confidence has unlocked Sadio Mane's explosive start to the Premier League season.

Senegal star Mane capped off a counter-attack to seal a 2-0 win at Crystal Palace on Monday and boost his tally to three goals in just two outings.

The 26-year-old already appears on target to improve on the 13 league goals he netted for the Reds two seasons ago, the most prolific of an impressive four campaigns in England.

Now', settled in alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, the former Southampton man looks set to keep pace with his free-scoring teammates.

READ: Emery: Ozil must expect criticism

"He's much more secure that this is his level. The players surprise themselves sometimes. 'Wow, really? That's how good I am?!' We all need to show our best and get used to it," Klopp said of the winger.

"Sadio's a very consistent player for us. His work-rate is great. We have a very strange 4-5-1 formation with Sadio as a midfielder, Bobby [Firmino] being a midfielder more or less and Mo [Salah] being a striker, even though he plays in a little different position."

"We talk about the defensive work-rate they put in. That's really important. It's quality. We have to make sure we can show that every week. Who scores the goals is not too important, but it was very important for us and very nice for him that he could do it in the last game."

Liverpool will attempt to make it three wins on the trot when it hosts Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday.

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