Re: Africa Football Discussion Thread || Current discussion: Why was Mane called up?
And what would that also do the the confidence of the others, or the guy sacrificed to make room for Mane? This has to get some resistance from Bayern, for sure. Klopp would be calling up Senegal now if this happened at Liverpool...
It was Mane's decision to go, he's 30 and this could be his final World Cup with Senegal, I'm not sure the injury is as serious as we thought given that there is still a week until the World Cup for him to at least recover since he was flown to Africa for herbal treatments, we know how far Senegal is willing to go to ensure the country captain goes to the World Cup. Because of the timing of the World Cup, he may miss the first game. I recall a similar scenario with Drogba, who was sidelined for four weeks due to a hamstring injury. He went to Africa for herbal treatment and recovered just in time for our Champions League game. No players were sacrificed, his slot was untouchable.
As I said, it will always be Mane's decision to say yes, he's a hungry player. But clubs and managers need to think of player welfare at the end of the day, that's what they're paid for, and that's what players will later on learn about their managers to appreciate them. Not someone who wants to take advantage of your hunger and squeeze you dry, but someone who's willing to be hated in the moment, to be appreciated down the line. Mane and Salah have frequently got annoyed at Klopp withdrawing them from games but they know later on it was for their protection.
Anyway, moot point, if he plays, he plays, but I really hope he doesn't aggravate the injury, and plays well.
Herbal treatments and witch doctors, well, I hope they know what they're doing ha.