---
title: "Guardiola is scared of Mane, claims Redknapp"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/guardiola-is-scared-of-mane-claims-redknapp/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2019-11-04T12:00:13Z"
modified: "2019-11-04T12:00:13Z"
---

# Guardiola is scared of Mane, claims Redknapp

Liverpool’s mouthwatering Premier League clash with Manchester City on Sunday is already huge, but Pep Guardiola’s comments about Sadio Mane have further stoked the fire.

It could be a potentially season-defining game at Anfield this weekend and Mane goes into it as the Reds’ main man.

Guardiola [suggested](https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11669/11852637/pep-guardiola-accuses-special-talent-sadio-mane-of-diving) that the Senegalese is a diver after his side’s 2-1 win over Southampton on Saturday, which is unlikely to have gone down too well with Jurgen Klopp.

Former Liverpool man Jamie Redknapp believes it is a further example that Guardiola is scared of Mane, however, in an article for the [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7645375/Bournemouth-loss-Romelu-Lukakus-success-gives-Man-Utd-boss-wake-call.html](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7645375/Bournemouth-loss-Romelu-Lukakus-success-gives-Man-Utd-boss-wake-call.html)*[Daily Mail](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-7645375/Bournemouth-loss-Romelu-Lukakus-success-gives-Man-Utd-boss-wake-call.html)*:

> Hearing Pep Guardiola mention Sadio Mane and diving was surprising.

> It is unusual to hear a manager say that about a rival player, but I don’t think it was Guardiola trying to wind up Mane ahead of this Sunday’s showdown at Anfield. It wasn’t an attempt at mind games, or a deliberate dig.

> I believe Guardiola genuinely fears the threat of Mane. The Manchester City manager has him on his mind.

> He knows the 27-year-old is now Liverpool’s most important player. He is Jurgen Klopp’s No 1 man, as proven on Saturday.

### Read Liverpool Verdict

Guardiola’s comments were surprising, suggesting that he is rattled by what Liverpool are achieving this season, as they keep up a six-point advantage at the top of the Premier League.

Mane has rightly won two penalties this season, while on Saturday, he did go to ground too easily at Aston Villa.

To accuse of him of being a diver is lacking class, however, and it could only spur Liverpool’s No.10 on further when City come to town.

On current form, there is no more devastating player in the Premier League, with Mane dragging the Reds over the finish line at times.