Match-winner Mane: 10 is my lucky number!
Sadio Mane’s first appearance as Liverpool’s No.10 featured an injury-time winner versus Manchester City - underlining the forward’s assertion that the number brings him good luck.
The Senegal international returned to match duty for the Reds with a 45-minute run-out as City were defeated 2-1 in New Jersey in the International Champions Cup.
After being introduced at half-time at the MetLife Stadium, Mane impressed and crowned his comeback by coolly slotting home a 94th-minute penalty to complete a turnaround that started when Mohamed Salah equalised Leroy Sane’s opener.
Post-match, the 26-year-old, who switched from No.19 to No.10 last week, spoke of his delight at getting his first game-time of pre-season under his belt.
Mane told Liverpoolfc.com: “I’m very happy to be back. We had the World Cup and then a holiday and we are back. We’re very happy to be here now and we’re looking forward to the new season. We’ll try to do our best like always.
“I just took the ball [for the penalty] and the boys let me shoot. I want to thank them.”
Highlights: Salah and Mane goals beat City in US
On his squad number switch, Mane added: “No.10 has always been my lucky number, so I’m happy to take it this season. But the more important thing is what I’m trying to do for the team and especially helping the team as much as I can to win games.”
Jürgen Klopp introduced Salah just after the hour mark in East Rutherford - and it took the prolific No.11 a matter of seconds to mark his return with a goal, as he headed in Rafa Camacho’s cross.
Mane continued: “Mo is always our top scorer and I’m very happy to be back with him. He scored a wonderful goal - I’m very happy about that and to start the season.”
Liverpool’s final ICC fixture comes against Manchester United in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on Saturday, and Mane expects another meeting with a Premier League rival to benefit the Reds as they prepare for 2018-19.
“It will be a good game,” he said.
“I’ve always said if you want to be the best you have to beat the best. Manchester United are one of the best so I’m looking forward to this game. Friendly or competitive, a game is a game and they’re all important to me.”
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