Sadio Mane: My 100th game for LFC will mean a lot
Sadio Mane has described playing for Liverpool as ‘something incredible’ as he prepares to make his 100th appearance for the club.
The No.10 will reach his century should he be selected against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, with his 99 Reds matches to date yielding 42 goals.
“Of course, it means a lot to me,” Mane told Premier League Productions of the prospect of representing Liverpool for the 100th time.
“To play at a club like Liverpool is something incredible. I always said, I am very happy to play for this club. Every single day I enjoy being here and I’m looking forward to playing my 100th game. It will mean a lot.
“Thank you to everybody - the club, the fans and the coach for the trust. I will try to do everything with my teammates to win something for this club.”
Jürgen Klopp’s side head to the south coast on the back of successive 2-1 defeats to Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Last Thursday’s loss at Etihad Stadium reduced the Reds’ advantage at the top of the Premier League to four points, while the reverse at Molineux four days later saw them eliminated from the FA Cup.
Mane, though, senses a determination within the squad to get back to winning ways at the first opportunity versus Brighton.
“The manager is very, very positive,” the forward said.
“He has a lot of experience and he knows in football [defeats] can happen. The reaction is the most important thing. Everybody is more focused and knows what it would mean for us to win on Saturday.
“We know it will not be easy but we have quality and we’re going to try to do everything to win the game.”
Earlier this week, Mane attended the 2018 CAF African Player of the Year awards in his homeland Senegal.
For the second year in succession, the 26-year-old finished second behind Mohamed Salah in the running for the prize, but he believes his teammate merited top spot.
Mane continued: “Honestly, he deserves it. He had an incredible season for us last year and scored many, many goals.
“I think he deserved it and I’m happy for him. Sadly, I didn’t win it - but it’s no problem. I will work harder and harder, and hopefully next time.”