Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has been informed by coach Jurgen Klopp, that he doesn’t figure in the club’s plans this season as per reports from the Daily Mail. The misdemeanour on the part of the French defender while on pre-season tour hasn’t gone down well with the German and it seems if the Frenchman wants first team football, then he will have to look for it elsewhere.
With signings such as Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan settling into the team, Klopp has enough defensive options. Matip, especially eye catching on his debut against Tottenham Hotspur coming close to extending Liverpool’s lead as well before Danny Rose grabbed the equaliser. The German has expressed concerns regarding the defender’s attitude and hinted that in order to avail first team football, the Frenchman will have to prove his professionalism.
Also read: How Jurgen Klopp is rebuilding a sleeping giant in Liverpool
The Frenchman, who began his career with Paris St. Germain, transferred to Liverpool in the year 2013. He has been questioned regarding his attitude by his previous manager Brendan Rodgers as well. Back in September 2014 ahead of the Merseyside derby, Sakho was left out of the squad and on receiving the news left the stadium. Although the Frenchman later apologised for his actions, it did leave certain sections questioning his attitude.
The arrival of Klopp had led to the Frenchman playing some of his best football and was even praised by the manager. But it has all gone downhill ever since the month of April this year, when UEFA investigated Sakho for violation of an anti-doping rule, following a test in March after a Europa League clash against Manchester United.
After testing positive for a fat-burner, UEFA punished him with a 30-day ban which was later dismissed. In the resulting period, it led to the Frenchman missing the Euros in his homeland and the Europa Cup final with Liverpool.
While Sakho’s pace, athleticism are not in doubt, his attitude has been questioned by Klopp due to incidents such as reporting late for flights, matches and team meals. Having signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool last September, the 26-year-old would have looked to cement his place in the Liverpool and French squads this season. Instead, he has fallen down in the pecking order.
The Anfield club has also been trying to move on other players such as Lazar Markovic, Mario Balotelli and Tiago Illori. Andre Wisdom who had spent last season on loan with Norwich City is also set for a surprise loan move to Red Bull Salzburg, as reported by ESPN FC. It has been understood that the loan will be a season long.
