‘I was really surprised’: Sadio Mane says he’s been shocked by 22-year-old in Liverpool training

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Sadio Mane admits that he has been shocked by Ibrahima Konate in Liverpool training.

Mane stunned

Speaking to the club’s official website, Mane suggested that Konate’s immediate impact at Anfield has been excellent.

Although Konate is yet to make his competitive Liverpool debut, the Reds’ new central defender has apparently looked very solid behind closed doors.

And Mane says that he is stunned by how quickly the 22-year-old has settled in.

He said: “He is a very nice lad and from the first day he was with us I was really surprised because it was like he has been here for years. With myself that was not the case because I am a bit shy, but he just came in and settled straightaway which is really important.

“You could see in pre-season that he was doing well from the start and we are really, really happy to have him. I feel that this year he will have a great season for Liverpool.”

Patience needed

Konate may have to be patient as he waits for his chance at Liverpool.

Jurgen Klopp currently has a fully fit defence, and the Reds boss has gone back to his tried and tested options.

Virgil van Dijk has been brought in to start and has so far been accompanied by Joel Matip.

Liverpool have only conceded one goal in their first three Premier League matches to date, so drastic changes are unlikely to be made any time soon.

However, as the season progresses, Klopp must surely feel more comfortable having the likes of Konate and Joe Gomez in reserve.

Liverpool do also have a League Cup game against Norwich City on the horizon, and that could be a good chance for Klopp to test out his new central defender for the first time.