Sadio Mane: We don't want to stop
Sadio Mane urged Liverpool to maintain the level they showed in kicking off the season with a 4-0 victory over West Ham United on Sunday.
The Senegal international scored two of the four goals at Anfield, sandwiched by strikes from Mohamed Salah and Daniel Sturridge, as the Reds eased to an impressive start to 2018-19.
Their performance was a continuation of the form in evidence last term and during pre-season – and Mane explained why the players’ aim is to ensure such standards are a constant.
“It’s a good time for us,” the No.10 told Liverpoolfc.com.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to start the season but we started very well in pre-season, we won almost every game. We have started the season great and everybody is happy. We’re going to try to keep the same level and keep going.
“We played great football today, we created many chances. We defended as a team, compact, and tried to win every battle. We scored four goals and we deserved to win.
“The most important thing was the three points and we got them, so we’re very pleased.”
Naby Keita was one of three players who made their competitive Liverpool debuts against the Hammers, alongside Alisson Becker – who also started – and substitute Xherdan Shaqiri.
Mane knows the midfielder well from a brief crossing of paths at Red Bull Salzburg and tipped his friend to improve and improve as the season progresses.
“I’m happy for him. He played very, very well. Everybody was happy about the job he did for us,” he added when asked to assess Keita’s performance.
“The beginning is not easy for new players, to learn about the guys. He will do better and better for us because he has great quality.”