Sadio Mane teases Klopp with French club joke as Anfield farewell nears

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FOOTBALL Sadio Mane teases Klopp with French club joke as Anfield farewell nears

Festus Chuma 10:00 - 20.03.2024

Sadio Mane jests about former manager Jürgen Klopp joining him in football venture amidst Klopp's departure from Liverpool.

Sadio Mane has sparked amusement with a playful quip about his former manager Jurgen Klopp amidst the German's imminent departure from Liverpool.

Mane, who is the owner of French lower league club Bourges Foot 18, has set ambitious goals for his club's future, with plans for full professionalization and aspirations to secure a spot in Ligue 2 by 2030. 

Additionally, there are intentions to establish an academy in Mane’s homeland of Senegal to nurture talent for his French outfit.

Currently positioned in the Championnat National 2 Group B, the fourth tier of French football, Bourges Foot 18 presents an exciting venture for Mane. 

At a welcome ceremony held at Bourges City Hall, Mane expressed gratitude towards Klopp, his former mentor, who played an instrumental role in his career development during their time together at Liverpool.

Reflecting on his successful stint under Klopp's management, Mane fondly reminisced about his former manager.

“He is someone who left his mark on world football, and personally, he contributed a lot to my progress. He is a great man, a living legend, who brought a lot, a lot to Liverpool. All the work he did there will, I think, be forever engraved in the memory of all the supporters," he said as per Anfield Watch.

With Klopp set to bid adieu to Anfield after an illustrious nine-year tenure, Mane couldn't resist injecting humor into the conversation.

 "He said he was leaving Liverpool? Maybe he will come here!," Mane jested, hinting at the possibility of Klopp joining him at Bourges Foot 18. 

The dynamic between Mane and Klopp flourished during their time together at Liverpool, where Mane netted an impressive tally of 120 goals in 269 appearances under the German tactician's guidance. 

Their partnership yielded remarkable success for the club, including Premier League triumphs in 2019 and 2020.

Despite Klopp's impending departure, his legacy at Liverpool remains indelible. Mane acknowledges the profound impact Klopp has had, asserting, "All the work he did there will, I think, be forever engraved in the memory of all the supporters.”

As Klopp prepares to bid farewell to Anfield speculation abounds regarding his next move. 

While many anticipate a sabbatical for the seasoned manager Mane's jest about Klopp potentially joining him at Bourges Foot 18 adds an intriguing twist to the narrative surrounding Klopp's future endeavors.

Whether Klopp decides to take on a new coaching challenge or opts for a well-deserved break his legacy at Liverpool and in the footballing world at large is assured. 

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