Sadio Mane says Liverpool’s hopes of winning title are ‘over’ but Reds will target Champions League

Bella Butler
·2 min read
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has conceded the race for the Premier League title is over for last year’s winners, stating that the points difference between the Reds and table-toppers Manchester City is too great to close.

The 2020/21 season ended with Liverpool lifting the trophy to claim their first top-flight title in 30 years, but it all came crashing down this season as they struggled with countless injuries, disappointing losses and poor form which has seen them drop to sixth in the table.

Mane has insisted that the Reds are not giving up altogether and will continue to play to the best of their ability, but admits that a chance to defend their title is out of reach.

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Mane told ESPN Brazil: “Our target from the beginning was [winning] the Champions League, the Premier League and also cup games. And now, I can say it’s over for the Premier League…it’s too much.

“In our head, our self-belief, it’s always ‘never give up’, and we won’t give up, but for sure, Manchester [City] are a good team and they’re flying.”

Liverpool will now shift their main focus to the Champions League, with aims to wrestle back the title from current holders Bayern Munich. The 18/19 season saw Liverpool beat Spurs 2-0 in the final to claim their sixth European Cup, before the Bavarian giants beat PSG to claim the crown last year.

Mane said: “The Champions League, that is our main, main, main target. To win it, not be second, but it won’t be easy.

“You’re going to face the best teams in Europe, but we’re here to beat the best in the world. We’ll do everything possible to go forward and win the Champions League.”

The Reds have lost four out of their last five matches across all competitions, including a landmark defeat at home to rivals Everton.

This weekend will see them face bottom of the table Sheffield United in the Premier League, which manager Jurgen Klopp will hope can reinstate some confidence into the team before they take on fourth-placed Chelsea next Thursday.

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