Sakho has been in the gym with… Mario Balotelli.
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Mamadou Sakho hasn’t had the easiest of spells at Liverpool, having missed both the latter stages of Liverpool’s run to the Europa League final and France’s run to the Euro 2016 final in their own country as a result of a doping violation, with the defender seemingly cleared of wrong doing.
Subsequent to that he has been sidelined with an Achilles injury and sent home from the club’s tour of the United States because of a breach of discipline on three occasions.
The Independent quotes manager Jurgen Klopp explaining his decision to send the popular defender home: “[Sakho] missed the departure of the plane, he missed a session and then was late for a meal.
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp
“I have to build a group here, I have to start anew, so I thought it maybe made sense that he flew home to Liverpool and after eight days, when we come back, we can talk about it.”
It seems Klopp is intent on running a tight ship, and though Sakho is known for being a bit of a character which has added to his popularity with both players and fans on Merseyside, Klopp wants his players to be professional.
Having been sent home to continue his rehabilitation from his injury, Sakho has posted a video of him working in the gym trying to get himself back to full fitness.
The Liverpool Echo has reported that Sakho won’t be sold this summer, but ‘has some making up to do’. With Liverpool pretty short on defensive cover following injury woes during pre-season with Joel Matip struggling with a minor ankle problem, and Joe Gomez also recovering from an Achilles injury, Klopp will be glad to have the Frenchman at his disposal again sooner rather than later.
On the evidence of Sakho’s video, hard work in the gym before he gets out on the training field is the first thing he needs to do, and professionalism can make up for his misdemeanours. Though, Liverpool fans will be hoping that the attitude of his gym buddy Mario Balotelli doesn’t rub off on him.
Mamadou Sakho celebrates with manager Juergen Klopp after scoring
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