Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp reveals why he replaced Sadio Mane in Spartak Moscow draw

Mane, 25, returned to Liverpool’s starting line-up for the first time since playing in their 2-2 draw against Sevilla after he picked up a three-game ban for a horror challenge on Ederson in their 5-0 defeat at Manchester City on September 9. 

The Senegal international provided the assist for Philippe Coutinho’s equaliser against Spartak on 31 minutes to cancel out Fernando’s early strike. 

But Mane was replaced after 70 minutes by Daniel Sturridge in a bid to find a breakthrough. 

However, they failed to grab a winner as they drew their second successive Champions League group game of the campaign. 

And Klopp has outlined why he opted against playing Mane for the full 90 minutes in Russia. 

“Sadio Mané has spent too long without a game so he needs to adapt to such intensity,” Klopp said

“That’s why we had to replace him.”

The  boss also heaped praise on Spartak for their dogged performance and admitted that they deserved the draw. 

“Spartak defended with big passion, big hearts. They deserved the draw. 

“Also, Spartak had some important players missing so they can be even better when they’re back. But we also can play better.”

Up next in the Champions League group stage for Liverpool is a clash with Maribor on October 17 (7:45pm).