“There are always some arrogant idiots like this one” – Dortmund chief blasts ex-Liverpool star over Sadio Mane comments
Borussia Dortmund boss Hans-Joachim Watzke has hit back at former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders over his comments on Sadio Mane's joining Bayern Munich. The BVB chief likened Saunders' comments to those of an 'arrogant idiot'.
Former Reds attacker Saunders claimed that Mane took a step backward by switching to the Bundesliga. He made the controversial remark shortly after the Senegalese's transfer to Bayern was confirmed last week. The Welshman said on talkSport (via Liverpool Echo):
"I’m still baffled why he’s gone. Why would you leave Liverpool when everybody loves you, the manager loves you, your teammates love you? You’re playing in the best front-three you’re ever going to play in, in your life. You’re never gonna go to a better team than he’s in right now."
He added:
“It’s not a challenge. He will get in his armchair, light a cigar up, he’ll play for Bayern in third gear and he’ll coast for two years and ruin the best two years of his life as a footballer."
Sadio Mané on his decision to join Bayern Munich: (Bild)
"I found myself in Bayern’s plans more than anyone else."
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Reacting to the comments, Hans-Joachim Watzke felt that the Welshman's comments were foolish, defending the reputation of German football. The Dortmund chief told German publication Bild (via Liverpool Echo):
"There are always some arrogant idiots like this one. As a member of the board of Europe's club association ECA, I know that German football still has a good reputation. The English didn't win any of the three European Cup titles in the past season."
A 120 goals, 48 assists and six trophies later, Mane eventually decided to call time on his Merseyside career and don the red colors of Bavaria. The 30-year-old's notable achievements include a first-ever Premier League title for the Reds in 2020 and a UEFA Champions League title in 2019.
🗣️ Sadio Mané: "I am already in love with the city. I'm happy to be living here!"
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What's next for Sadio Mane after leaving Liverpool for Bayern Munich?
The Senegalese will be looking forward to the opening of a new chapter in his career at the Allianz Arena this summer following his £35 million transfer. He will link up with the rest of the Bayern Munich squad next month for pre-season games ahead of the new campaign.
Last season, Mane made 51 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, recording 23 goals and five assists to his name. His exploits earned Liverpool an FA Cup and an EFL Cup, but the Reds lost out on an unprecedented quadruple, missing out on Premier League and Champions League honors.
It remains to be seen if he will continue in the same vein in the Bundesliga next season.