Liverpool: Klopp Speaks On Mane Winning Ballon d’Or 2022 After Villarreal 2-0 Win

Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has expressed hope that Sadio Mane will win the 2022 Ballon d’Or title if he meets certain requirements.

The German coach was asked about his perception of Mane during his post-match interview after the 2-0 win against Villarreal in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg.

In his submission, Klopp believes that the Senegalese may have to win the Champions League to stand any chance of winning the prestigious individual player award.

Naija News understands that Mane helped Liverpool seal their first-leg win against Villarreal last night to complement a second-half own goal by the visiting team’s defender.

Mane has been outstanding for the Reds in recent seasons as Liverpool forges ahead to a possible quadruple this season.

Klopp though said it was too early to discuss Mane winning or not winning Ballon d’Or this season, he, however, hopes that the striker achieves his dreams for the club.

The German showered praises on the Senegalese for his brilliance this season but added that he does not completely understand Ballon d’Or nominations.

Klopp said: “Mane has had an outstanding season and is an outstanding player. I have nothing to do with the Ballon d’Or nominations. I don’t understand it 100%.

“He is world-class. He again played a really good game for us, but I don’t know how I can answer with the season not even over,” Liverpool Echo quoted Klopp as saying.

He added, “Historically, we have to win something to win the Ballon d’Or. Most of the time, it was like this. If you are not Messi or Ronaldo, you have to probably win the Champions League, which we have not done yet.

“Give us a few more weeks and we will see where we end up. Sadio wants to contribute, he wants to help the team and that is what I love most about it.”