It’s no coincidence that Liverpool’s dip in form has coincided with the Africa Cup of Nations.
Almost as soon as Sadio Mane departed to play for Senegal, the Reds’ season started to capitulate, and since the turn of the year, they’ve been knocked out of both domestic cups and haven’t won a Premier League game.
Obviously, it goes without saying that this is not the ideal time to be playing Chelsea, league-leaders by eight points.
In fact, this has been the worst run of form of Jurgen Klopp’s reign.
When they tell you, you have to go back to Liverpool. pic.twitter.com/7vzyVRVESE
— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) January 29, 2017
Mane hasn’t exactly been living it up either, missing the crucial penalty that knocked his country out of the AFCON, so maybe the better he’s reunited with Liverpool, the better for all parties.
Klopp’s desperation to have him back is such that according to Sky Sports, he’s even sent a private jet to have him flown back in time for the Chelsea game.
With no regard for jet-lag, the 24-year-old could be included on the bench at Anfield.
This isn’t an entirely fool-proof plan, as he did play when the Reds drew 2-2 with lowly Sunderland in early January.
With nine league goals and four assists, though, he’s bound to give Antonio Conte’s side plenty of problems if he is introduced.
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