LIVERPOOL ARE CONFIDENT of going to Old Trafford and beating Manchester United on Saturday after booking a Champions League quarter-final spot, says Sadio Mane.
The Reds have thrilled supporters this season, with Mane forming part of a formidable front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.
Even the departure of playmaker Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona in January could not derail Liverpool, as Jurgen Klopp’s side battle to finish second in the Premier League and make progress in Europe.
Porto were brushed aside 5-0 on aggregate in the last 16 of the Champions League, Tuesday’s 0-0 draw confirming what had been expected after such a dominant first-leg victory in Portugal.
Now Liverpool’s focus turns to bitter rivals United and their fight to finish as runners-up behind runaway league leaders Manchester City.
“It will not be easy but I’ve always said we can beat any team in the world,” said Mane, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“Honestly [United] are one of the best teams in England, of course in the world also, but we are as well.
“It’s the dream for every single player to play this kind of game so everyone is looking forward to it.”
Mane’s views are echoed by goalkeeper Loris Karius, who knows how much is riding on this weekend’s clash – for the players and the supporters.
“It’s a very big game for us, for the club, for the fans,” he said.
“Of course they have a good squad and we have respect for them, but we don’t fear anyone. We’re really confident, looking at ourselves and our own abilities, we know we can beat them.
“We want to go directly into the Champions League again, there’s not many places for it and second (place) would be ideal obviously.”
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So he’s not going to Newcastle then
@Richard O’Brien: Thought he was a shoe-in for Derby County. Everything he needs there too.. sorry, except the bottomless pit of money.
@An Observer: your not suggesting that the reason he’s so successful is the cash he can flash are you. The citeh fans won’t like that
@Richard O’Brien: An awful lot more to management than money. Obviously he can buy whoever he wants but then he has to handle all those huge egos, keep them happy and get them playing for the team, which I think is the secret to his success. If it was just about money Mickey Mouse could be manager.
@ger o’ dwyer: thanks for the lesson and I don’t necessarily disagree but I think it takes a better manager to be successful without the cash
@Richard O’Brien: careful now, in the spirit of the 21st century we shouldn’t take the piss out of minority groups.
Great to hear a man with extensive knowledge of the game commenting about how good a league the premiership is, a lot of haters out their saying the premier league is a joke, because only one or two teams can win it, which is not to far from the truth, but the overall competition for placing is brilliant and always throws up battles for the winners, top four, europa spots and relegation.
@Devilsavocado: I mean isn’t that the case for most of the top leagues in Europe?
@Devilsavocado: style of football lacking still. Too many foreigners. Should see if this year was a one off in terms of Europe, Spain has pretty much ruled the roost for a decade or more on the club and international scene. Best players like Hazard still know the best gravy. Lots love the hustle n bustle of the premier league but prob know little else.
Earth to Chippy!?