Programme notesJürgen Klopp: There is more to come from 'machine' Sadio Mane
Jürgen Klopp believes there is even more to come from Sadio Mane, hailing his commitment and drive to succeed.
Liverpool host Benfica at Anfield this evening in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, which they lead 3-1 courtesy of a win in Lisbon last week.
The Reds' attention has turned back to European competition following a pulsating 2-2 draw with Premier League title rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
While fully focused on tonight's game, Klopp has taken a moment to pay tribute to one of his goalscorers at Etihad Stadium.
In the matchday programme for the Benfica tie, Klopp writes: "Everyone who played for us on the day contributed to an important result, but I did want to pick out Sadio.
"It was his 30th birthday on the day of the game and he still looks as fresh and vibrant as when he joined this club as a younger professional.
"He is a machine. What he has done for this club and continues to do puts him in the bracket of 'legend'. For LFC and Senegal he is playing to his highest level possible.
"What's exciting is how he is getting better and stronger. When you see how he looks after himself and his commitment to his profession, turning 30 for him really is only a number.
"His attitude and character are elite. We are so appreciative of him and I know for sure the levels he reaches at the moment are not the peak – there is even more to come from this very special player."
Klopp also looked ahead to a second meeting with Benfica, as his Reds team attempt to reach the final four of the Champions League this evening.
"I don't know Nelson [Verissimo, Benfica coach] that well personally, but it is clear having faced his team in Portugal in the first leg he is a fierce competitor," Klopp continues.
"He is someone who knows the club inside-out and has done an exceptional job since taking over.
"The manner in which they knocked out Ajax in the previous round demonstrates how dangerous they are in this competition in particular.
Highlights: Benfica 1-3 Liverpool
"We had huge respect for Benfica before we travelled there to face them last week, but that has only increased following the first-leg contest. Yes, the scoreline on the night was in our favour and we have an advantage.
"But anyone who watched the game and certainly those of us competing directly in it appreciate their quality and the danger they pose. There were periods where we had to show real resilience.
"They are brave and smart. They are well-organised. They have a proper goal threat. I was conscious when starting this column that in some respects the messages within might be similar to when we faced Inter Milan at Anfield in the second leg of our last-16 tie.
"As with tonight, we arrived into the game with a two-goal lead. As with tonight, we knew the contest was far from over. And as with tonight, we knew there were at least 90 minutes in which both teams could fight to get to the next round. We knew all this ahead of the Inter Milan second leg and so it proved.
"It was such a battle to get through. But that's how it should be. This is the best club competition in world sport. It's ferociously hard in each and every game and we expect it to be exactly the same this evening – if not even harder because we are a round further on."
He adds: "So that is the clear message, for players, staff and supporters: if you come to Anfield tonight, come with anticipation, yes, but the anticipation of having to win a battle to get through.
"Those of us blessed to be here tonight need to show humility. We can do that by giving everything we have over the 90-plus minutes and then – if it goes that way and it is needed – extra-time and penalties."
