Jurgen Klopp's infectious personality and charm have rubbed off so much on Liverpool players that they want to win for him, according to Sadio Mane.
During a wide-ranging and highly illuminating interview inThe Daily Mail, the Reds' explosive attacker outlined the close connection that has been established between Klopp and his squad, a mutual trust and respect that has helped reinvigorate Liverpool under the German.
"That's a good question," Mane is quoted as saying in response to being asked what is different about Klopp. "The big difference is that he is very close to his players and they feel close to him.
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Sadio Mane is teetotal and a devout Muslim. He's far from an average footballer | @OllieHolt22 https://t.co/0aA2NGTcP4 pic.twitter.com/bRl0viRM7H
"It is the human touch. The players work for him and want to win for him. The forwards love the fluidity in attack. 'We like the system. We really appreciate being able to play an open game. We like working on it. It helps that I have been able to contribute with goals, too."
The interview, written by Oliver Holt, delves into Mane's character as a humble man who is grateful for being able to play the game he loves full-time. The piece notes that Mane is strictly religious, a devout Muslim, a man who has worked incredibly hard throughout his upbringing to achieve his goal of playing football.
"Religion is very important to me. I respect the rules of Islam and I pray five times a day, always.
Jurgen Klopp: Sadio Mane is a really hard working boy. He is really open for advice. He wants each kind of improvement. He's really good." pic.twitter.com/iSpZ2AxChG
"Senegal is 90 per cent Muslim and maybe 10 per cent Christian and everybody lives side by side in harmony as friends. My best friend, Luke, was a Christian and we used to go to each other's houses.
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer. They still live in the same village but I have a house in Dakar so if they want they go and stay there, it is available for them.
"One of the things that has pushed me on in life ever since I was young is that I want to give something back specifically to my region. I am in discussions with colleagues in Senegal. I am young now but it is something that will be happening very shortly."
Klopp has also praised Mane's character and attitude, insisting the former Southampton attacker's mindset has been a major driving force in making him an immediate success at Anfield.
It worked out that he scored in his first game with a goal like this (against Arsenal). Come on! In a game like this, it makes everything easier," Klopp said as perThe Liverpool Echo.
Then there is his attitude. He is a really hard working boy. He is really open for advice.He wants each kind of improvement. He wants to do different things. He is good. He's really good."
Sadio Mane has been directly involved in 19 goals in his last 22 Premier League games.
15 goals
4 assists
Perfect Klopp player.  pic.twitter.com/rPNfoKiM37