Sadio Mane admitted he was “convinced” Liverpool will get back to their best before reports emerged that Bayern Munich are considering selling the Senegal star.
Bayern have suspended Mane after he reportedly punched team-mate Leroy Sane in the face following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat to Manchester City.
The 31-year-old will also be fined and won’t be part of the Bundesliga side’s squad for their home match against Hoffenheim on Saturday.
According to Sky Germany, Sane’s lip was bleeding after an altercation between the pair, who had to be separated by their fellow team-mates in the dressing room.
A statement from Bayern said: “Sadio Mane, 31, will not be in the FC Bayern squad for the home game against 1899 Hoffenheim next Saturday. The reason is Mane’s misconduct after FC Bayern’s Champions League game at Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine.”
And Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg even alleged Bayern are considering selling Mane this summer – just one year after signing him from Liverpool.
Before the news of Mane’s punishment, Plettenberg tweeted: “News #Mane: He has already arrived at the training centre this morning. He was smiling.
“Bosses have discussed several possible consequences yesterday: fine, suspension, even separation. Team training today at 11 am. His apology in front of the team is expected today.”
Mane to return to Liverpool?
With Mane potentially on the move, some Liverpool fans have questioned whether the winger will return to the Reds.
After six hugely successful years at Anfield, Mane left Liverpool for Bayern last summer. His exit has coincided with the club’s worst season under Jurgen Klopp to date, with the Reds languishing in eighth, 12 points adrift of the top four.
And Mane’s recent comments on his former side could suggest he may be open to a return to Merseyside in the near future.
“Liverpool will be back,” he said in an interview with Bild, a month before the Sane incident.
“I’m convinced they will overcome this situation. They had many injuries and tough tests, but Jurgen Klopp is definitely the right man.
“He will lead Liverpool back up, from this season – the players love him.”
