Tips For Klopp – Who Should Replace Liverpool’s Star Attacker During His 3-Game Ban?

Suspension Crisis! – Who Should Replace Sadio Mane For Liverpool After His Freak Red Card

Jurgen Klopp was handed his worst ever defeat as a manager and what will hurt more is the fact that it was handed to him by an old foe in Pep Guardiola. The German manager had the best record against the Spanish gaffer before Liverpool took on Manchester City last weekend but an atrocious performance from the Reds saw Liverpool lose 5-0 – their heaviest defeat in more than a few seasons.

The Citizens were impeccable all night but were immensely helped by the sending off of one Sadio Mane, who made a stupid challenge on Man City goalkeeper Ederson. The Senegalese winger was set off on his bike by Joel Matip’s air ball but he took it a bit too far as he lunged in with a high foot, trying to win the ball. But he ended up giving the Manchester City shot-stopper a couple of stitches on his cheek.

It looked like a reckless challenge in the first viewing and referee John Moss had no choice but to pull out the dreaded Red card. That decision all but ended the game.

Liverpool never looked like fighting back on the night and went on to lose by embarrassing numbers. However, they will now look to put that behind them and work hard for the upcoming games.

The former Southampton winger is now banned for three domestic games and Liverpool’s appeals were also rescinded. So they must now start planning for life without him. Sadio Mane will miss the Reds’ Premier League fixtures against Burnley and Leicester City, along with an EFL cup tie against the latter.

So Who Should Replace Him In The First Team?

There are not too many like-for-like replacements in the squad for Mane. The likes of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and even Ben Woodburn can do a number in this role but the German is expected to use a different kind of a player here.

Brazil star Philippe Coutinho could be used in place of Mane in an advanced role on the left flank, a position Coutinho has previously excelled in. He may also look to push Roberto Firmino on to the flank, giving Daniel Sturridge a chance to shine in an attacker’s role.

Newbie Chamberlain may also be preferred, thanks to his pace and mobility but at the moment, Coutinho and his magic is the only way Liverpool can replace Mane’s creativity on the flank. His pace however, will be irreplaceable.