Red won’t stop me says Mane
SADIO MANE says he will not hesitate in another 50-50 challenge with a keeper despite his red-card controversy at Manchester City.
The Liverpool striker is frustrated by his three-game ban for catching Ederson with a high boot in what he insists was an honest attempt to win the ball in Saturday’s 5-0 defeat.
He apologised on social media and was relieved the Brazilian escaped serious injury and faced Feyenoord on Wednesday.
But the rumpus will not put the Senegal international off trying to win the ball in a similar situation.
He said: “It was a challenge for the ball, it is part of football so I cannot change anything. I think the next time I will get the ball before him. I will do my best. Honestly, I was going for the ball. I made contact [with him] but it was not what I wanted to do so I apologised to him.
“It was bad but my intention was not to hurt the goalkeeper. I’m not that kind of player. When I saw the red card I was surprised.
“I don’t have his number so I just posted messages for him and I think he saw them.”
Mane’s appeal to have his ban reduced failed so he will sit out the next three domestic games against Burnley tomorrow and Leicester twice, in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday and then the league.
The ban is especially ill-timed for Mane as he has been in top form. “It is not easy for me as I love to play but I’ll accept it,” he added.
Mane’s absence opens the door for Philippe Coutinho, who returned after a summer of uncertainty over his future as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Sevilla on Wednesday.