Sadio Mane Opens Up On 'Worst Season Of My Career' In Honest Interview, He Even Went For Tests To Find Answers

Sadio Mane says he is having the worst season of his career to date - and has even undergone tests to try and find the reasons behind his dip in form.

The Senegalese intenational, who has scored just nine goals in the Premier League this season, was left on the bench for Liverpool's crucial trip to Manchester United on Thursday night.

He was eventually brought on in the second-half, but a frosty encounter with manager Jurgen Klopp after the full-time whistle suggested he was far from happy with being excluded from the starting line-up.

By his usually high standards, the 29-year-old has yet to reach the heights of last season; where he scored 22 goals in all competitions.

In fact, just days before the clash at Old Trafford, a brutally honest Mane opened up about his season in an interview with Canal+.

"This is the worst season of my career. I have to admit it," he said.

"If you ask me what is wrong I will struggle to give you an answer. Personally, I don't know. I have always tried to be positive, whether things are going well or badly. I question myself all the time.

"I even underwent a test to take a look at my body. Am I eating the right foods, or has everything changed? But they checked the test results, and everything is fine.

"I need to understand that in life there are ups and downs. I will keep on working hard - and perhaps in time this situation will pass."

Jurgen Klopp, meanwhile, undestood why Mane was frustrated after being left out of the line-up against Manchester United.

When asked about the lack of handshake incident, the German manager said: "Yes, I made a late decision in training, really late and changed Diogo for Sadio.

"And the players are used to that, I explain that, but I didn't do that properly or whatever.

"And in that moment for a Premier League game, Sadio was obviously not too happy, that is all.

"The boys are used to me explaining but there was no time for that, that's the situation. All fine."

Thoughts on Mane's season at Liverpool?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: Liverpool, Football, Manchester United, Sadio Mane

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_