Sadio sending off boosted their season says Klopp

SHOWDOWN

SADIO MANE’S red card was the launchpad for Manchester City’s season, according to Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

Mane was sent off in September for kicking City keeper Ederson in the face during their clash at the Etihad.

It was a moment of controversy which changed the game – and Klopp claims it also altered the course of City’s season.

“They didn’t do too bad before that game, but after that game they were like, ‘Ah, we’re really good’,” said Klopp.

Liverpool went into the clash ahead of City on goal difference after the first three games of the season.

It looked like the title race would be between them, City and Manchester United – even when Sergio Aguero put Pep Guardiola’s side ahead.

But after Mane was given his marching orders in the 37th minute, City ran riot to hand Liverpool a 5-0 drubbing.

Unbeaten City haven’t looked back, winning all but one of their 18 Premier League games since to put themselves 18 points clear of fourthplaced Liverpool ahead of tomorrow’s rematch at Anfield.

“It was for me one of the stranger games of my career,” said Klopp.

“We were really good, slightly the better side, slightly the better chances, an open game, not fantastic defending, both on the front foot.

Easy

“Then we had the red card and it changed the game and, maybe for Man City, the season.

“In a football way, I think we should try to clarify something – they are playing a fantastic season, but our season is not too bad.”

The runaway leaders have not won at Anfield since 2003 but are now looking for the double over Liverpool for the first time since 1937.

Liverpool go into the game without Philippe Coutinho, who joined Barcelona for £142m.

And in the end Klopp said it was an easy decision and not just because of the massive transfer fee but because the player was so determined to go.

“That was a decision I have to make,” said Klopp.

“Does it make sense, do I think I can still use him, can he help us still? And to be honest, it was 100 per cent clear – no chance.

“He was not ready to do that anymore. He did fantastic in the first part of the season, after the things we had to deal with in the summer.

“We knew it when the club tried everything. We had lots of talks about different things, how we can do this or that, but if somebody denies things like that, then it is clear that the decision is done.

“What a football player he is, and he will be such a good player for Barcelona as well.

‘‘But for us in a few games,