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Liverpool forward Sadio Mané believes he is reaping the benefit of a full summer break this year and feels “more ready” for the new season.

This year, Mané enjoyed his first proper summer rest since 2018. He believes this will be hugely beneficial for the season ahead.

Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com about how he’s feeling at the club’s Austrian training camp, Mane said:

“I think it’s always important as a player to have a break because I can say since I came to Liverpool this was the first time I have had four weeks or more holidays, so I think that sometimes helps a lot.

“I could see from day one that everybody was looking sharp, which for me was unbelievable! I am not complaining about having one week or two weeks’ holiday, but I think it’s always extra [helpful] for us to have this long period of holiday.

“At the same time, we have been working in individual training [during the summer], which is also important because you could see from day one that everybody was looking sharp and ready to go for the new season.

“To be honest, everybody, and myself for sure, feels more ready. I always say tiredness is here [in the head] and obviously you have to be mentally strong to cope with it, but at the same time, I think resting is the best [thing].

“I think now we have all rested properly so this is another advantage for us. We are looking to be ready for the season now.”

About his slightly disappointing showing last season, Mané commented:

“It was not my best season, which I know. Like I always said, it can happen in football but I think it won’t be the same [next] season. For sure, I am more ready, mentally, physically, everything, so I think it will be for myself an exciting season.”

Mané will likely be in action again this evening as Liverpool play FSV Mainz, another former club of Jürgen Klopp’s.

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