Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has revealed he sent Sadio Mane a text message following Senegal's qualification from the group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane scored for Senegal on Thursday as they beat Zimbabwe 2-0 to secure a spot in the next round; Senegal have one group stage game still to play, which comes against Algeria.
It means that Liverpool will be without Mane for a longer period and Klopp, who enjoys seeing the forward doing well for his country and admits he is cheering on Senegal, feels mixed emotions.
He told a press conference he sent Mane a text message: "[I said] 'Sadio, I am happy for you, but I could really kick your lower back!'
"I text him last night – mixed emotions.
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"But as long as he is fit we take it like it is and support Senegal", Klopp added.
Mane has been a key man for Liverpool since the Reds snapped him up from Southampton in the summer transfer window, instantly settling into Klopp's team.
The Merseyside giants have felt his absence and Klopp will be crossing his fingers that he does not pick up an injury while on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
