Sakho: I was like a ‘caged lion’ under Rodgers

Mamadou Sakho revealed the source of ferocity that he displayed this weekend against Everton and striker Romelu Lukaku.

In an interview with French newspaper, L’Equipe, Sakho likened himself to a ‘caged lion’ while Brendan Rodgers kept him out of the first team.

“Let’s say that during the short period when I was not playing, I was like a little caged lion who has not fed for a while,” said Sakho. “When you open the door. he charges.”

The Frenchman has been on quite a journey since walking out on the team in disgust at not being selected for last year’s Merseyside derby.

As a result, he was not seen in the first team for months. Injury and last summer’s purchase of Dejan Lovren, another left-sided centre-half the manager seemed to favour, continued to limit Sakho, despite impressive performances when given the opportunity.

The defender also spoke of the continued influence of former captain Steven Gerrard, who congratulated Sakho’s recent Europa League appearance as the Reds’ captain.

“Steven is an example,” revealed Sakho. “Also, he often sends me small text messages, like after my first match of the season at Bordeaux, in the Europa League, with the captain armband.

“He texted me to congratulate me. He said, ‘Continue to fight like that. I’m proud of you.

“It’s always nice to receive such a message from a great player.”

Despite all the challenges, the 25-year-old former captain of Paris Saint-Germain continues to show his affinity for Merseyside, not just on the field.

Sakho has been a prolific ambassador for the club in the community and has even been studying up on his Scouse, thanks to team mates.

He even shared some of his local acumen: “If I say ‘Sound lads.’ Now I know what that means. It means, ‘Cool man’.”