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Jurgen Klopp says the biggest mistake of his career was failing to sign Sadio Mane for Borussia Dortmund.
The Liverpool boss is now enjoying working with the Senegal international at Anfield, but says he still regrets failing to take the winger to Signal Iduna Park.
What’s the word?
Klopp identified Mane as a key target when he was manager of Dortmund, and even went so far as to discuss a move with the then-Red Bull Salzburg star.
However, Klopp failed to follow through on the move, and he subsequently joined Southampton.
Mane would go on to score 25 goals in 75 appearances for the Saints, while also chipping in with 14 assists.
And Klopp says he still regrets his failure to rubber-stamp the deal.
“I have made a few mistakes in my life and one of my biggest mistakes ever was not taking Sadio when I was at Dortmund,” Klopp said, per Goal.
“We were together in an office and I spoke to him.
“Afterwards I wasn’t sure but that was really my fault!
“He’s an outstanding boy and life gave me a second chance to work with him and hopefully we can both use it.”
Klopp returned for Mane in 2016, securing his signing for a fee of £34million.
Nabil Fekir move reignited?
We often hear of managers expressing regret at failing to sign some of the biggest names in football.
Klopp missed out on signing Fekir from Lyon last summer when a deal looked almost done, and his regret at not signing Mane previously could mean that he reignites his interest in a player that he clearly admires and still plies his trade with the French either this month, or more likely in the summer.
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The German manager may know that this is his best chance to bring the 25-year-old to Anfield, as if he is allowed to join another big club then a move to Liverpool would be a lot less likely to happen.