Mané on Burnley Clash: “one of the most important games of the season”

After a heartening win against Arsenal last weekend, Liverpool supporters are holding their collective breath waiting to see what the Reds can do against Burnley on Sunday. While they’ve been spectacular against their rivals in the top six, where they’ve suffered is against the more defensive teams below them who are content to relinquish possession and play deep.

Sadio Mané, who did not play against Burnley the first time around when Liverpool lost 2-0 at Turf Moor, understands that if the Reds expect to remain in the top four come the end of the season, they’ll have to win these kinds of games.

“It’s another important game,” he told the official website about Sunday’s clash.

“Now we have to prove we are back on track and back in the winning way, and that we have a great team and great players. We have to give everything.

“It’s one of the [most] important games of the season. If we want to be in the top four we have to win, starting Sunday, and make our special fans proud.”

And what do Liverpool need to do to win? According to Mané, one needs only look at the excellent recent victories against Spurs and Arsenal for the way forward.

“We are a team who takes risks,” he continued. “It’s not to say we can’t take risks; if you want to win, you have to do that. We’re looking forward to the game and we’re ready.

“Burnley are a good team. We’re going to try to take it like we did against Tottenham at home and Arsenal at home. We’ll do everything to win the game, because it’s very important.”

Liverpool have a real chance to help consolidate their place in the top four with a win on Sunday, thanks to all their rivals playing in FA Cup matches instead of in the league. Hopefully this time they’ll seize this opportunity instead of letting it pass.