Mane lauds Liverpool’s ‘special’ off-the-pitch work rate

Sadio Mane has hailed Liverpool’s hard-working mentality and revealed that players have to get to training one hour early if they want to get a spot in the gym.

Liverpool have been irrepressible this season and are 13 points ahead of Manchester City in the Premier League title race with two games in hand.

Jurgen Klopp’s men, who are yet to taste defeat in the league, have earned huge plaudits for their superb form and Mane has lauded the ‘special’ off-the-pitch work rate which is helping propel them to what looks certain to be a first top-flight title since 1990.

Ahead of Liverpool’s trip to Wolves yesterday night, Mane gave an insight into the work that goes in behind the scenes, which he believes is giving them an edge and has been key to the club’s form.

“For sure, they [the club’s supporters] only see what we are doing on pitch every single weekend and the success as well,’ Mane told Liverpool’s website.

“But the work starts with yourself at home professionally and hard work on the training ground.

“You can see, every single day from day one when I came to Liverpool, players want to improve more and want to get better and better.

“You can see the gym one hour before training is completely full.

“I think that’s a very, very big sign for the club because everybody wants to play and everyone wants to be the best. I think that makes things special.

“From the training ground, everything starts there and it’s just really important. It’s normal that fans are getting so excited to see the team playing well and being successful.

“That’s why we are working every single day.’