Sadio Mané criticised by Agbonlahor after Liverpool win over Inter Milan

By Jordan Harris

Gabby Agbonlahor has told talkSPORT that Sadio Mane was not at the races for Liverpool in their Champions League win over Inter Milan, while he noted that the forward was sulking when he was taken off.

The Reds have put one foot in the last eight of the competition. Late goals from Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah saw Liverpool take a 2-0 lead over the Nerazzurri.

It was not a vintage performance from Jurgen Klopp’s side. Neither team managed an effort on target until Firmino broke the deadlock with 15 minutes remaining. Salah had the only other with the deflected strike that doubled their lead.

Liverpool had to soak up plenty of pressure. And it was not a night where their attacking players were able to really shine. Certainly, Mane had a frustrating time inside San Siro.

The Senegal international was taken off just before the hour-mark. And Agbonlahor suggested that Mane could have few complaints with the Liverpool boss’ decision. He also claimed that the signing of Luis Diaz puts plenty of pressure on the 29-year-old.

“Mane wasn’t at the races yesterday,” he told talkSPORT. “What did they do? They brought him off. I think he was sulking a bit when he came off but that’s what they’ve got now.

“They’ve got Diaz ready to come on, he can start games as well. So they’ve got that bigger squad now, Liverpool so everyone’s got to be on their toes.”

Liverpool boast the most exciting group of attacking players in world football as Mane faces fight for spot

Of course, it is difficult to look beyond Paris Saint-Germain when it comes to a great group of attacking players. The trio of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar is devastating. And they also have players such as Mauro Icardi and Angel di Maria in the ranks.

But the entire group Liverpool boast may actually be on another level right now. Mohamed Salah has played as well as anyone in world football this year.

Mane and Firmino have been integral to Liverpool’s success in recent seasons. Diogo Jota has been incredible this season. And now, they have added Diaz in January.

Mane himself, has lauded Diaz following his switch to Anfield. And that change on the 59th minute against Inter may represent the changing of the guard that will take place on Merseyside in the future.