How have Liverpool responded to Sadio Mane’s departure?
Liverpool lost a legend in the summer in the form of long-term servant Sadio Mane with the Senegalese forward opting to seek a fresh challenge at Bayern Munich in Germany. His departure was a huge blow as he has been a major player in Liverpool’s success over the past few years. Jurgen Klopp’s side managed to secure every trophy possible from domestic cup competitions to the UEFA Champions League in Mane’s time at the club.
Official. Bayern announce that Sadio Mané underwent successful surgery this evening where a ruptured tendon was reattached to the head of the right fibula. ???????????? #WorldCup2022
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 17, 2022
Mané will miss the World Cup and will begin with his rehab in Munich, club confirms. pic.twitter.com/IayQtuhQTM
Poor form since Mane left
Liverpool has struggled so far this season in Mane’s absence but this is due to a culmination of factors rather than simply his decision to leave the club. From complacency against supposed weaker sides to fatigue due to the frequency of fixtures before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Many different arguments could be made as to why the reds have struggled this season. But Liverpool still has a decent chance of finishing in a UCL spot of 32.76%, according to tips found on Kickform Premier League tips. With the club residing in the sixth position before the World Cup break, their title chances seem to have already faded. Finishing in the UCL spots is certainly still a huge possibility if form improves in the second half of the season.
How did Liverpool deal with his departure?
Liverpool did act swiftly in terms of contract agreements and new additions in the summer after they lost one of their star men, and the additions have not necessarily been poor despite the team’s disappointing results overall.
Mohamed Salah’s contract extension offered some rest bite to the reds as losing both of their African stars in quick succession would have been disastrous. Nevertheless, reinforcements were certainly required to offset the quality the club lost in Mane’s transfer to Bayern. Luis Diaz had already joined from FC Porto in January and spelt part of the solution, with Darwin Nunez coming in from SL Benfica in the summer to perhaps replace Mane’s goalscoring
output.
A brilliant November for the Reds as @Darwinn99 wins the @StanChart Player of the Month award ???? pic.twitter.com/AEaVoOPBIw
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) December 9, 2022
The Uruguayan has received mixed reviews since arriving at Anfield, but one thing he guarantees is chaos. Whether he is scoring goals or not, he disrupts backlines with his intelligent movement which makes space for other attacking stars such as Salah. This has certainly replaced a characteristic that Mane offered as his willingness to harass opposition defences on and off the ball was a key part of his game. Liverpool has probably dealt with Mane’s departure as well as a team could for a player of his calibre.
While Liverpool’s form has been poor this season, Klopp has been unfortunate enough to have to deal with many injuries to some of his key players. Thiago Alcantara has spent a significant period out, and currently, Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota still face lengthy injury lay-offs.
Overall Liverpool lost a great player in Mane, and that has certainly played a part in their poor form this season. However, it is just one of several factors that have affected their results. Once the reds hopefully have a fully fit squad shortly, results will surely improve, and Liverpool could still secure a spot in the UCL for next season. They could also make a significant run in the European competition this season if Real Madrid can finally be conquered in the round of 16.
