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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Mark Jones

Sadio Mane reveals why he's jealous of Barcelona ahead of Champions League clash

Sadio Mane says he's "jealous" of Barcelona because they can call upon the services of his former Liverpool teammate Philippe Coutinho.

The Senegalese star played with Coutinho at Liverpool for 18 months before the Brazilian moved to Catalonia in January last year, with Mane taking over his Reds' No.10 shirt at the start of this season.

The former Southampton man has enjoyed his most impressive campaign in a Liverpool shirt in 2018/19, and last week was named in the PFA Team of the Year after his goalscoring form has helped propel Liverpool's challenge both domestically and in Europe.

Mane will start in the Nou Camp on Wednesday, where Liverpool will hope to get one over on Coutinho, as well as his fellow former Red Luis Suarez.

Mane took over Coutinho's shirt number after he left (X01095)

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"He's a great, great player," said Mane of Coutinho.

"I was a bit jealous that Barcelona got him! He's still young and will improve a lot because he's a hard worker."

Regardless of Coutinho's presence, Mane is confident that Liverpool can get a good result in the Nou Camp, which was once home to his childhood hero.

"I am excited and hopefully tomorrow I will score for the team," he said.

The Senegalese says he's ready to shine in Barcelona (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

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"It's a wonderful stadium. I have been watching Barcelona since I was young. All of us love to watch football, and it will be great for us to play in this kind of stadium. But it will be motivation for us, not pressure.

"Ronaldinho was my hero. I really loved watching him play. I still love him to be honest. I would love to have his smile!"

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