Sadio Mane confident Liverpool will pull through tough schedule

'Honestly, I think it is all in the head' says Anfield star

Liverpool's Sadio Mane believes the players will be fine despite a huge amount of fixtures in December. PA

Sadio Mane has dismissed concerns that Liverpool’s front three will suffer burnout from their heavy workload as he insisted tiredness is just a state of mind.

Liverpool missed the chance to qualify for the Champions League knockout stages in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw with Napoli, meaning first-choice players such as Mane cannot be rested for their final group game at his old club Salzburg.

They are two matches into a run of 14 games in 44 days and, apart from sitting out their League Cup run and the Community Shield, Mane has been an ever-present so far this season, but he said he is keen to carry on playing every game.

He had a shorter summer break after his 2018-19 season only ended in July 19 when Senegal lost to Algeria in the African Cup of Nations, in which Mohamed Salah also played, while Roberto Firmino was at the Copa America.

But Mane shrugged off fears that fatigue will cost Liverpool, saying: “Honestly, I think it is all in the head. The tiredness is in the head, so as long as the body recovers well, I think it is not difficult for us to play every single game, if the team needs us and the coach needs us."

The winger is ready to face Salzburg again on December 10, adding: “We have to deal with it. Without the games you cannot win the trophies. We are Liverpool. We have a big squad, we have many players who can play and so much quality.”

Jurgen Klopp is reluctant to rotate his preferred forward line and all three have already topped 1500 minutes for Liverpool this season, with Mane, on 1538, just ahead of Firmino, on 1519, and Salah (1516), while the Brazilian, with 61 games for club and country, played the most matches last season.

Mane finished the campaign with six goals in his last nine games for Liverpool before going on to be named in the team of the tournament in the African Cup of Nations and said he ended the season in good shape.

He added: “I was really fresh. You could see because I was there to score goals and I scored the goals. I cannot complain; I just have to say I was really fresh and enjoying it - I think all the players were fresh because we were successful. You just have to be as professional as you can.”

Liverpool have already lifted silverware this season, in the shape of the Super Cup, and Mane believes winning the World Club Cup in December will serve to spur them on to further success as he argued a medal will prove better than a rest.

He explained: “I always say to win games and win trophies motivates players. If we can win the World Club Cup then it will give us more momentum. Hopefully we are going to win it and give us another blast of high energy to go again for the rest of the season.”

Liverpool lost Fabinho against Napoli. The Brazilian underwent tests on Thursday on an ankle injury but left Anfield on Wednesday with his foot in a protective boot. He was already suspended for Saturday's game against Brighton but is now a doubt for Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.

“It is a blow, a big blow, for the whole team of course, also for him as a player but there are situations you have to deal with,” said Gini Wijnaldum.

The Dutchman came on for Fabinho against Napoli and could have to play in a deeper role again if Fabinho is out. “I have played it last season,” he said. “I am ready.”