THE UNTOLD TRUTH: SADIO MANE ADMITS RESPECT FUELED MO SALAH RIVALRY AT LIVERPOOL

Sadio Mane reveals how a heated on-field clash with Mo Salah at Burnley actually brought them closer. The ex-Liverpool star details their private talk that resolved the infamous incident.

The Untold Truth: Sadio Mane Admits Respect Fueled Mo Salah Rivalry At Liverpool
Mané Confirms Salah Rivalry Was Mutual Respect Only

Sadio Mane has spoken about his bond with Mohamed Salah, his former Liverpool teammate, and how they resolved their memorable disagreement on the pitch during a match against Burnley. The Senegalese player joined the Reds in the summer of 2016, a year before the Egyptian arrived.

Alongside Roberto Firmino, they created a formidable attacking trio that went on to secure every major title during their tenure at Anfield, until Mane decided to conclude his time at Liverpool to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022.

In addition to guiding the Reds to Champions League glory in 2019, they also won the European Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and Premier League during the 2019-20 season.

However, the notable confrontation between Mane and Salah happened during an early-season match at Turf Moor in August 2019, when Liverpool triumphed over Burnley 3-0.

When Salah opted to go for a goal alone and missed instead of passing to his open teammate, the Senegalese, who had just netted, was visibly annoyed. A short while later, visibly agitated, Mane made his way off the field, gesturing to the bench. He then took a seat in the dugout and continued to express his disappointment.

Firmino was seen smiling at the camera while moving between Mane and Salah in a viral video that circulated after the match and as the Liverpool team returned to the dressing room.

This incident has frequently been cited to suggest that Mane and Salah didn't maintain a good relationship while they were both at Liverpool.

During his guest appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Mane reflected on the aftermath of that incident at Turf Moor and how he believes it ultimately strengthened their bond, dismissing any notion of a feud with his former teammate.

“Exceptional player. Exceptional player. Outstanding player.” “Usually, people claim there’s a rivalry,” he remarked. “Yet, that’s not true. I don't view it as a negative.” 

"Even though I’m quiet, I have good relationships with everyone on the squad. That’s simply my nature."

"Thus, I regard Mo as a very friendly person too. He is a good individual. However, it’s clear that sometimes he passes me the ball, and other times he doesn’t." 

"But Bobby was the only one who consistently shared the ball. Occasionally, like in this instance..."

"I distinctly remember a game where I felt frustrated because he didn’t pass to me when he should have." 

“Burnley. I could see your reaction while I was watching that match, as you know. Yes, it was something else. I was upset after the match because of that.” 

"And the following day, he approached me. He wanted to chat, but he wasn’t sure how or when to engage with me."

He thought that I was still mad at him since we didn’t manage to see each other before heading home. And the next day, he came to me. "Can we talk?" he asked. "Sure, no problem, let’s go," I responded.

"You think I didn’t want to pass to you?" he inquired. I missed my chance to score. Bobby managed to find the net. However, I didn’t even notice you to make a pass when I had possession of the ball. I simply received the ball. I wanted to take a shot. But I hold nothing against you. Honestly, I would have passed you if I had seen you.

"And you know that," I replied, "Don’t worry. It’s over now; it’s in the past. You could have given me more, given your skills, which is why I was frustrated.

"I feel that this experience has brought us closer since that day. It happens occasionally, but as a forward, you just don’t see anyone when you’re focused on the ball, Mo.

"Nobody comes into your view. In my opinion, he didn’t do it on purpose. All he’s focused on is scoring.

"Mo, I can sense that you want to achieve more... I can be of great assistance since I'm aware you aspire to be the top scorer," I reflected while speaking. I can provide what you seek. I’m here for you. I don’t struggle with this, so I can support you better.

Mane’s bond with Firmino was notably different from that with Salah, even though they may have had disagreements during their time together at Liverpool.

When Ferdinand asked him to choose his ideal five-a-side team made up of former teammates, the 33-year-old opted to leave out the Egyptian while including the Brazilian, along with Virgil van Dijk, Philippe Coutinho, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

ALISSON "OPEN" TO LIVERPOOL EXIT AS JUVENTUS PREPARE MASSIVE SWAP DEAL OFFER

With Alisson Becker open to a Juventus move, Liverpool is scouring the market for a replacement ahead of a major summer rebuild.

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Juventus offer Alisson Becker a contract until 2028 - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool isn’t just sitting around; it’s actively searching for someone to take Alisson Becker’s spot since Juventus looks serious about making a bid for their veteran keeper. Even though Alisson’s got a year left on his deal after the club triggered an extension back in March, he might leave this summer.

He’s been Liverpool’s go-to guy in goal since he arrived from Roma in 2018; he’s played 332 games, cost £67 million, and for years, he was untouchable. But injuries have piled up during the 2025/26 season, and it’s starting to look like his time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

Juventus are now right in the mix. Apparently, Alisson isn’t against the idea of leaving Liverpool, and Juventus could even throw their own goalkeeper, Michele Di Gregorio, into the deal for the Brazilian.

Juve are ready to offer Alisson a contract running through the summer of 2028, with an extra year as an option. Sky Sports says Liverpool already knows what’s happening and is getting their ducks in a row before a massive transfer window.

The club’s facing a big summer. Salah and Robertson are going, and now they might need a new keeper too. Giorgi Mamardashvili has stepped up when Alisson was out, playing 18 games across all competitions, but he’s injured himself, leaving Slot with just Freddie Woodman as his only fit option.

Recently, Slot was asked if losing Alisson at the same time as Robertson and Salah would be too much. He said, “The club makes decisions it thinks are right. If this happens, there's a reason behind it, maybe another good reason why we did what we did.”

He pointed out that Liverpool doesn’t make transfers on a whim. Decisions are thought through, with the club’s interests always at heart.

Regarding keeping Alisson for his experience, Slot admitted that’s one argument, but there are others and, ultimately, the club will decide what’s best. Alisson’s contract still has a year left.

When pressed about Juventus, Slot replied, “Ali’s main focus is clear; he wants to get back in goal for Liverpool as soon as possible and then play for Brazil. That’s his short- and mid-term future.”

LIVERPOOL WARNED TO OFFER CURTIS JONES NEW CONTRACT BEFORE 14-MONTH DEADLINE

Analysis: Curtis Jones’ elite passing stats and why Jermaine Pennant believes Liverpool cannot afford to lose the versatile midfielder.

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Several European clubs are monitoring Curtis Jones as contract uncertainty grows at Anfield - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Liverpool really needs to sort out a new contract for Curtis Jones before they make the same mistake it did with Luis Diaz. That’s what the Inside Liverpool panel thinks, especially now that Diaz is lighting up Bayern Munich and making Liverpool’s transfer moves look pretty questionable.

Bayern’s front three, with Diaz in the mix, have racked up 100 goals across all competitions this season – the first time any non-Spanish team has done that. Diaz himself has bagged 26 goals in 46 matches and just scored against PSG in the Champions League semi-final.

Looking back, Liverpool probably wish they hadn’t let Diaz walk for £65 million last summer. Since then, fans at Anfield haven’t seen anyone who brings what he did: that relentless pressing, always looming as a threat on the counter. Sure, they’ve brought in Rio Ngumoha, a teenager, just 17, but Arne Slot, the coach, knows you can’t just expect him to fill those shoes right away.

On talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool, Jermaine Pennant, who has played for the club, said that Liverpool has to bring in another proven attacker over the summer. Pennant’s point: Diaz was great whether he played in the middle or on the left, and Liverpool needs someone with that kind of flexibility. You don’t want to sign a backup like Hugo Ekitike and then end up overcrowding with too many strikers when the main guy returns.

Now, Jones could end up in the same boat this summer. There’s a lot of uncertainty around his future, and when you look at the numbers, he’s only got 14 months left on his contract. Several clubs in England and Europe are watching, and he’s only started 15 games for Liverpool this season.

Even though he hasn’t played much, Jones is impressing; he’s second only to Rodri in midfielder passes per 90 minutes in the Premier League. He’s also ranked second behind Moises Caicedo for passing accuracy, and right behind Rayan Cherki for carries. Pennant said the club can’t afford to let him go: Jones is so versatile; you can play him anywhere in midfield or even right back. He knows the club, loves it, and helps connect the squad.

Jones has been one of the top performers recently. Pennant thinks Liverpool should offer him a new deal, especially since the squad is thinning out and they’ve already lost Trent Alexander-Arnold. In the end, it’s up to Jones if he wants to stay or move for more game time, but Liverpool has to make the offer while they still can.

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