Mane would accept if Reds were not crowned EPL champs
Liverpool, Wednesday
Sadio Mane admits he would understand if Liverpool were not given the Premier League title due to the coronavirus pandemic.
With results and league standings in the lower echelons of English football expunged and declared null and void last month, there is a real possibility Liverpool will not be crowned champions this year, an outcome that Mane is prepared to accept.
When asked whether he feels like a Premier League champion yet, the Senegalese winger told talkSPORT: ‘I think not yet. I love my job and I love football, I want to win on the pitch.
‘I want to win the games and I want to get the trophy, it’s what I would love.
‘But with this situation, whatever happens I will understand.’
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic goes beyond the world of football, with the worldwide death toll already surpassing one million people and several major cities placed in lockdown.
Despite being with in touching distance of Liverpool’s first Premier League title in 30 years, Mane recognises the bigger picture when it comes to the deadly pandemic.
He added: ‘It has been difficult for Liverpool, but it has been more difficult for many millions of people around the world.
‘Some people have lost family members and that is the more complicated situation. But for myself, it’s my dream and I want to win it this year.
‘If that’s not the case, I will accept, it’s part of life. Hopefully we will win it next year.’
The coronavirus also has financial ramifications on many people in the United Kingdom, with several companies opting to furlough staff to the government’s wage scheme which would temporarily cover 80% of employees’ wages.
Liverpool had previously put all of their non-playing staff onto the furlough scheme but reversed their decision on Monday night due to criticism from the club’s supporters.
