Tuesday 3 January 2017 14:31, UK
Sadio Mane has backed his Liverpool team-mates to continue their Premier League title chase as he joins Senegal for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Leading scorer Mane, who left for Gabon after Monday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland, admitted he had mixed feelings about leaving the Anfield-based club for the duration of the tournament.
Mane told LFC TV: "It won't be easy for me to leave because I would like to help them until the end of the season.
"But I wish them good luck. We have a strong team and I think it won't be a problem. They will do it.
"I think we are in a good position. The draw is okay, but now the most important thing is the reaction. Everybody knows that and we are ready for the next game."
The absence of the 24-year-old will be a blow to Jurgen Klopp's side as they prepare for a trip to Manchester United in their next Premier League outing.
Mane has scored nine goals in 21 appearances since arriving from Southampton last summer and has played a significant role in securing Liverpool's second place on the tail of league leaders Chelsea.
Mane has apologised to supporters after gifting Sunderland at equaliser at the Stadium of Light but reveals referee Anthony Taylor made the right call.
"The guy pushed me a little bit and I lost my control and touched the ball with my hand. It was a penalty," Mane said.
"We are leaving disappointed because it's not what we expected. We were winning and we played well and created many chances.
"But after all, you have to score and we didn't score, so it was a little bit of a problem. One point - we have to accept it and prepare for the next game."
Senegal are amongst the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations which kicks off on January 14.
