Jurgen Klopp defended Sadio Mane after the Liverpool forward received a booking for diving against Aston Villa.

Mane assisted the equaliser and scored the winner as Liverpool came from behind to beat Villa on Saturday.

The Senegalese had received a yellow card for simulation in the first half, collapsing under pressure from defender Frederic Guilbert.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola certainly took notice, but Klopp was more interested in Mane’s response.

Asked for his emotions after the goal, Klopp replied: “The best possible in football. Really satisfying.

“The routine, we’d tried before a couple of times and we thought it could be a space where we could make a little advantage. It was not the only routine we had, but it was one I saw in the game two or three times before.

“We worked yesterday on that and then if you can use it in a very decisive moment then it’s really good.

“Sadio crossed the ball for Robbo’s goal. Being there for that goal after the situations he had in the game when he got a yellow card – I think when you see it back, it is for sure not diving, there is contact, but it is the decision you have to accept.

“In the moment, then the crowd takes you a little and try to make you even more insecure – but that’s obviously not possible with Sadio.

“He stayed in the game, got the yellow card there, but still stayed in the game even defensively. Very good.”

 

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