Klopp wanted to punch himself over Mane
(right) has made a blistering start to life at Liverpool under coach Jurgen Klopp. LONDON: Jurgen Klopp has recalled the time he wanted to punch himself after he turned down the chance to sign Sadio Mane.
The Senegal forward has made a blistering start to life at Liverpool, scoring six goals in 11 games since his £30 million (RM159 million) summer move from Southampton.
Mane was Klopp’s prime summer target and he was overjoyed that Liverpool were able to clinch a deal, particularly as he had missed out on securing his signature for Borussia Dortmund in the summer of
2014, when he was about to leave Red Bull Salzburg.
Klopp met Mane but was not initially convinced.
His main business that summer was re-signing Shinji Kagawa from Manchester United; it was a choice he was left cursing after Mane, who had joined Southampton for £11.8 million, scored 12 times in his first season in England.
“With Sadio it was pretty simple because I made the mistake at Dortmund where I didn’t take him,” said Klopp.
“We talked. By the end we didn’t feel this (connection). We could only get one not two or three, so it needed to be the right exact fit in this moment.
“I have said a lot of times I’m not a genius so I couldn’t exactly imagine the Austrian League, where he was, what does it mean?
“What does it mean for the football?
“Around about three months later I would have punched myself, so I knew already the next chance I have I would take it.”
If Klopp had needed any persuading that Mane was the right fit for Liverpool, the final proof arrived at St Mary’s in March when the 24year-old inspired a stunning comeback for Southampton, scoring twice as his side came from two goals down to win 3-2.
Klopp spoke to him on the pitch that day.
“It was not difficult to take this decision, it was very easy,” said Klopp.
“When the club came and when (sporting director) Michael Edwards said we have an opportunity.
“No talks were necessary any more it was a case of ‘let’s do it.’ I have made more mistakes in my life like this actually.
“I think he would have been more expensive if we had taken him to Dortmund and then he had been sold to Liverpool, so it’s all good for Liverpool!
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