Mane may cost Liverpool Premier League title after ‘going missing’ – Whelan
Noel Whelan has insisted Sadio Mane’s poor form could see Liverpool fall out of the Premier League title race.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 29-year-old has “gone missing” for the Reds.
Mane missed a number of gilt-edged chances as Liverpool suffered a shock 1-0 defeat against Leicester on Tuesday (28 December).
Mane has failed to score in the last seven league games after netting seven in his first 12 matches this term.
Whelan claimed Liverpool need Mane’s goals in order to give themselves the best possible chance of winning the league title.
“He started off the season really well,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“Last season, we didn’t see the best of him. I thought he had a really poor season compared to what he’s capable of.
“We thought, right, he’s one of these players who needs the fans. He puffs his chest out, knows the fans are there, and becomes a better player.
“He’s just gone missing at a really critical time, right around Christmas. He’s got to be putting some of these chances away.
“You need your big players to step up, just as we’re seeing with Man City right now. They’re full steam ahead in this title race right now, and Liverpool need that from Mane.”
The former Southampton winger will travel to the African Cup of Nations after the conclusion of Liverpool’s clash against Chelsea tomorrow.
Mane has netted nine Liverpool goals in 25 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Senegal international has scored 106 goals in 243 games since joining the Merseyside club.
In other news, Football Insider can reveal Klopp’s stance on Liverpool making a stunning move for Erling Haaland.