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Sadio Mane has claimed Liverpool’s ‘main, main target’ is to win the club’s seventh European title this season. The Reds have given up hopes of retaining the Premier League title after a dramatic collapse of form.
The champions were top as recently as December, but a run of just 2 wins in the last 11 league meatches means they now face a battle to secure a top-four finiish.
Their most recent defeat, a 3-1 loss at the hands of Leicester City, leaves Jurgen Klopp’s side 19 points off leaders Manchester City and perhaps more concerningly, five points off West ham in the final Champions League spot.
European exploits provided Liverpool with some welcome relief last week, putting one step in the quarter finals with a 2-0 away win over RB Leipzig.
Klopp has already reached three continential finals during his time in the Anfield dugout, firstly losing in the Europa League and Champions League showpieces, before beating Tottenham to earn an historic sixth European crown in 2019.
Mane explains why top four is not Liverpool's 'main, main' target and hails Man City (Image: GETTY)
And Mane has admitted that adding another piece of silverware is their main priority, particularly after being knocked out of the two domestic competitions.
“At the beginning of the season, our goals were the Champions League, the Premier League and the cups,” he told ESPN Brazil.
“Now, I can say that it is finished in the Premier League, because the difference is very big. In our head, we always say not to give up, and we won’t.
“But, of course, Manchester City is a great team and being in the top four now is the main goal. But Champions League is our main, main target.
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The Reds could add their seventh European crown this season (Image: EXPRESS)
He added: "To win it, not be second, but it won't be easy.
“We know it won't be easy, because we will have to beat the best teams in Europe. But we are here to beat the best teams in the world, if possible. So, let's try to win the Champions League.
Similarly to Mane, Liverpool boss Klopp has conceded the Premier League title, insisting that a top-four finish is now their main aim for the remainder of the season.
"That is of course our main target, that is clear,” Klopp said, following the 4-1 defeat to Man City earlier this month.