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REDS RESPECT

Sadio Mane ‘asks Liverpool not to mention Senegal’s Afcon win in first home game back’ out of respect for Mo Salah

SADIO MANE urged Liverpool not to make any reference to his Africa Cup of Nations triumph out of respect to Mo Salah, according to reports.

Earlier this month, Mane struck the winning penalty as Senegal beat Salah's Egypt in the final to win the competition for the first time in his country's history.

Mane wanted to respect Salah by not mentioning the Africa Cup of Nations at Anfield
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Mane wanted to respect Salah by not mentioning the Africa Cup of Nations at AnfieldCredit: AFP

But according to Canal Football Club, Mane did not want Liverpool to mention the Cup of Nations glory on his return to Anfield against Norwich on Saturday.

When asked previously about Mane following his triumph in Africa, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp said: “It means the world to him, it means the world to his people, it means the world to Senegal and we respect that a lot."

Klopp also opened up about Salah's state of mind immediately after Egypt's agonising defeat at the hands of Senegal.

"He's very disappointed, it was a massive thing," Klopp said.

"Losing a final is always really hard, I can sing that song, but losing the way they did was especially hard.

"He is happy to be back but is disappointed as well, massively so."

He then went on to add: "Is there greater determination for Mo? I don't think there's a lot of space for more determination in Mo's mind.

"He will benefit off it and we will benefit off it."

Both Mane and Salah got on the scoresheet as the Reds fought back from a goal down to secure a 3-1 victory over Norwich on Saturday afternoon.

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The result means Liverpool keep alive their slim hopes of catching Manchester City and winning a second Premier League title in three seasons.

Next up for Klopp's men is a home game against Leeds at Anfield on Wednesday.

Then, next Sunday, Liverpool have the opportunity to win their first silverware since their Prem title two years ago when they face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.

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