Sports fans of all stripes have begun to dread the news that a player on their chosen team has “taken to social media” because rarely does it end well. This recent example is no different. Out of favor center-back Mamadou Sakho decided to air his grievances over his current stagnant situation via Snapchat.
The French international was encouraged to accept a loan move for the season in order to prove to manager Jürgen Klopp that the injury-ridden player could remain healthy for an extended period, and that he could show the professionalism that Klopp appears to believe he lacks. This came after a very long and difficult six months for Sakho, who had to deal with a doping allegation by UEFA that was later dropped, but only after he missed the end of the club season and a chance to be picked to play for France in last summer’s Euros. Following that, Sakho re-injured himself, and then was sent home from the Reds’ American tour for unprofessional behavior.
The basic point of Sakho’s Snapchats was to refute Klopp’s claim that regaining fitness is what has been keeping him out of contention.
The five messages read:
“Now it's three weeks I am fit to play games. They don't want me to play with segonde (segondo, U23s) team lol.
“Still working hard like Scouse Soldier! Still not talking cos I want to speak on the pitch....I will speak soon for the people who support me and don't understand the situation (emoji).
“Still happy to live in my Liverpool Country (emoji) with my family, hope to have chance to play soon to give my best like I try to always do!
“I accept my situation but I can't accept the lie....the fans deserve to know the true! Thanks for your support (emoji) 6 six months stay quiet.
“Have good night everybody! You'll never walk alone! (emoji).”
If Sakho’s chances of playing for Liverpool again seemed slim at the beginning of the season, then they’re all but gone now. This latest snafu will not endear him to Klopp, nor is it likely to prove that he has the temperament and professionalism to play on Klopp’s team.
Sakho’s talent on the pitch is clear, and Liverpool fans have all rooted for him to succeed and excel in that back line. However, it appears that the curse of Liverpool’s number three shirt has struck again, and this may be the thing that makes Sakho’s position at the club untenable.