Sadio Mane: I’ll be happy if defenders are scared of me!
Sadio Mane continued his impressive start to life at Liverpool with another outstanding display against Leicester City - and the forward is determined to carry on putting the fear into opposition defences.
The No.19 scored the Reds’ second goal in their 4-1 demolition of the Premier League champions on Saturday, and then unselfishly set up Roberto Firmino for the Brazilian’s second of the evening as Liverpool celebrated their first game at the newly-expanded Anfield in style.
Mane was afforded a standing ovation from the home crowd when Jürgen Klopp substituted him in injury time, and the Senegal international - while keen to play down comparisons to the likes of John Barnes - is eager to keep his early-season form up.
“It is a great compliment to be compared to the legendary players but I am still young and learning,” he said.
“I need to give my best for the team and the most important thing is trying to keep going.
“I will be happy if defenders are afraid of me because it will make it easier for me.
“When you are new it can sometimes be difficult to adapt into the team. But here it has been easy with great players like Daniel [Sturridge], Philippe [Coutinho] and Roberto [Firmino]. Now I’m in Liverpool I hope I can score more.
“Yes, I am in a good way, but I have to work. That work started on the day I signed and now I have to keep going in training and show it every game.
“As a team we just need to take things game by game and give our best in every game.”
Mane also spoke of his admiration for the atmosphere generated by the home fans, which was boosted by the addition of 8,500 extra seats in the new Main Stand.
“I am very happy because we had amazing support,” he added.
“Everyone was pleased about that. They played an amazing part in our win.
“I felt the love. When you play in a stadium like Anfield you want to give your best and get an ovation at the end so I try.”