Wright bemused by criticism of Liverpool star over Firmino

Will Ford
Ian Wright F365
Arsenal legend Ian Wright

Ian Wright has praised Liverpool star Sadio Mane for “getting them where they need to be”.

Mane admitted earler this month that he couldn’t put his finger on why he was suffering the “worst season” of his career.

It was certainly a lean one in comparison to his two previous campaigns, with the Senagalese forward a vital cog in the Champions League and Premier League wins.

But Mane came to the fore in the final stages of the season, bagging a brace in the final day win over Crystal Palace.


MAILBOX: Liverpool? The real ‘bad champions’ are Manchester City


Victory secured third place for Liverpool and Champions League qualification for next season.

And Wright claims the online criticism must have been from “bots” as he can’t believe any Liverpool fan would criticise the 29-year-old.

“Mane ended up getting them where they needed to be. I was reading stuff where fans were having a go at Mane, I couldn’t believe it, especially when you look at the amount of time it took Firmino to get going,” the former Arsenal man told his Wrighty’s House podcast.

“Mane for major parts of the season last season and the season before, where they only missed out [on the league] by one point.

“What that man has done for that club. For him to get the stick he was getting, I don’t believe it. I think that must be bots. There’s no way Liverpool fans would be having a go at that man.

“He came to the fore again when Liverpool needed him, scored a couple of goals, to finish it off.”

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah has picked out his highlight of the season for Liverpool.

“The highlight of the season was Ali’s goal! I can’t say anymore,” Salah said.

“It was unbelievable. As I said, it’s about the team and the reaction to the goal… I didn’t even think about it, I was jumping.

“That was the moment when I felt like we were going to play in the Champions League next season.

“The last ball in the game, it was an unbelievable moment and I was so happy for him.

“It was a really great header, not expected. Unbelievable. He did a great job and got us the three points.”