Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 6y

Sadio Mane 'convinced' Liverpool can win Champions League

Sadio Mane is eyeing Champions League glory, telling Sport Bild he believes Liverpool can win the competition for the first time since 2005.

Liverpool strolled into the Champions League quarterfinals with a 5-0 aggregate win against Porto last week -- their first appearance in the last eight in nine years.

"There are almost only top clubs left in the race," Mane said. "We are all aware that if you want to become a champion you must be champions. We've got the quality to beat every team in the world. And we'll try exactly that.

"Why should Liverpool not be on top in 2018? We want to win the Champions League. I am convinced we can do it for the first time since 2005."

Despite Philippe Coutinho's transfer to Barcelona in January, Liverpool's attack have not diminished. They average 2.27 goals per match in the Premier League, only beaten by eight other sides -- Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Monaco, Juventus, Real Madrid and Lazio -- across the five European top flights.

Mane, who contributed eight goals in the Premier League and a further six in the Champions League, said he is "very happy" to combine with Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino -- but that there is more to it than just those three players.

"Our secret is the same as always in football," Mane said. "Everyone working together is the key. Our midfield, our defenders and our keeper make it easy for us to play this special attacking game.

"And Jurgen Klopp's system adds to this. The Klopp system is a household name, not only in Germany but in all of Europe."

Mane said that Klopp's time at Borussia Dortmund "fascinated the world of football" and it has carried over to Liverpool.

"We have many elements of that game at Liverpool," he said. "It's a very intense game, permanently attacking. It's demanding for the opponent, but also for us. It's pure power. You can see the result this year. We score many, many goals. That's what Jurgen Klopp expects from us.

"Every player here loves Jurgen Klopp. He's always positive, passes on a lot of his power. He's a very special coach. I think he's one of the best. Every footballer would love to train under him."

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