Sadio Mane has conceded Liverpool would not retain the Premier League title after a horrific run of form.
Liverpool have dropped outside the top four and are behind league leaders Manchester City by 19 points with 13 games remaining in the 2020/21 season.
A run of four consecutive defeats – three of which came at Anfield – has put the Premier League champions in a state of disarray after a host of defensive injuries affected their usual consistency shown over the past three seasons under Jurgen Klopp.
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Mane has nkw admitted the Reds need to focus elsewhere for silverware now.
“First of all, before the end of the season I think, not only me, but every single player in the squad has targets. It’s the same for the club,” he told ESPN.
“Our target from the beginning was [winning] the Champions League, the Premier League and also cup games. And now, I can say it’s over for the Premier League … it’s too much.
“In our head, our self-belief, it’s always ‘never give up’, and we won’t give up, but for sure, Manchester [City] are a good team and they’re flying.”
Having lifted their first title in over 30 years last season, the objectives have now shifted back to the UEFA Champions League as the Senegal captain reveals they still want to salvage something out of the disappointing campaign.
“Beyond the top four is now, right now, our main target. But the Champions League, that is our main, main, main target. To win it, not be second, but it won’t be easy,” the African footballer of the year admitted.
“You’re going to face the best teams in Europe, but we’re here to beat the best in the world. We’ll do everything possible to go forward and win the Champions League.”
Mane has scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 32 games across all competitions this season.
