Southampton boss Ronald Koeman revealed in the post-match press conference that the 23-year-old Senegalese winger was dropped due to arriving late to a team meeting.
Koeman told reporters “It was a disciplinary reason. He was in the team, but he was late in the meeting. We have rules in the team.”
The news of Mane’s dropping has ignited rumours of a further falling out with Koeman, which could lead to the wingers departure from St. Mary’s in the January window.
Although the Saints winger has only scored three goals this season, his displays last season in which he scored ten goals including the fastest hat trick in Premier League history.
The young midfielder’s fast pace and clinical goal-scoring ability have made him a transfer target for many big clubs in the Premier League.
Right now the price tag on is set around the £25 M mark. However, it could be a fantastic time for potential suitors to strike as tensions between Koeman and Mane are heavily strained.
A frustrated Koeman had this to say about the situation between himself and Mane, “My last message to him was that he needed to be concentrated and focused. You have a responsibility as a player not just to me as the manager, but your teammates, fans and the technical staff to show respect.
“I am angry about players who are not focused and concentrated and that is, even more, disappointing than the result today. It is not the first time this has happened.”
With Arsenal looking to bolster their squad in pursuit of their first title for over a decade, Arsene Wegner has admitted that he is delving into the market this January.
However, the one side that is ready to make a move for the 23-year old Senegalese midfielder is Manchester United.
With Louis van Gaal’s side struggling to score goals in recent matches, the Dutch manager may have to spend big in the transfer window to solve his problem.
As things currently stand, Southampton is open to offers on Mane.
Unfortunately, for the 23-year old a move away from St Mary’s might be the only way to get consistent game time as his relationship with Koeman hits unstable ground.
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