Liverpool striker Sadio Mane is said to be furious after quotes attributed to him said that the Premier League leaders would win the title and not “choke” under the pressure.
“It is not easy to hear people accuse the team of being chokers but we have to ignore it and focus on what is in front of us.
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“Liverpool had the chance to win it a few years ago and did not do it but I prefer to think it helped to bring us where we are now.
“This is not a team of chokers. I am sure we will be champions of England.”
However this afternoon the Liverpool Echo reports that the 26-year-old has denied the story and is “fuming” over the comments.
The Echo’s James Pearce said: “Mane is adamant that he said no such thing and that the quotes aren’t genuine.”
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are currently top of the Premier League table, four points clear of defending champions Manchester City, with 16 matches remaining.
The league leaders host Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday (3pm) while second-placed Man City travel to Huddersfield on Sunday (1.30pm).
Premier League fixtures
Saturday 19 January (3pm unless stated)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Leicester City (12.30, live on Sky Sports)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. West Ham United
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace
- Manchester United vs. Brighton & Hove Albion
- Newcastle United vs. Cardiff City
- Southampton vs. Everton
- Watford vs. Burnley
- Arsenal vs. Chelsea (5.30pm, live on BT Sport)
Sunday 20 January
- Huddersfield Town vs. Manchester City (1.30pm, live on Sky Sports)
- Fulham vs. Tottenham Hotspur (4pm, live on Sky Sports)