Ex- Liverpool star Sadio Mane scores in Bayern Munich loss that could change Jude Bellingham’s reality for Liverpool

Ex- Liverpool star Sadio Mane scores in Bayern Munich loss that could change Jude Bellingham’s reality for Liverpool

Jude Bellingham’s future at Borussia Dortmund remains uncertain as we near the end of the season

Sadio Mane bounced back from his recent struggles by scoring for Bayern Munich on Saturday afternoon.

It’s been a hot two weeks for the ex-Liverpool star, who has struggled for form since returning from a long break in February before being embroiled in a contentious altercation with team-mate Leroy Sane. The idea of ​​sacking the 31-year-old from Thomas Tuchel this summer has even been seen and debated as player surplus.

Mane slapped the German winger on the lip after Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final first leg loss to Manchester City earned him a hefty fine and was dropped from the matchday squad for a league game against Hoffenheim.

The Senegal international got back on track from a personal perspective this afternoon, ending a 10-game scoreless streak at club level after scoring the opener in a Bundesliga clash against Mainz earlier this morning. The positive ended there, however, as Bayern picked up three injuries in the second half to suffer a damaging 3-1 loss.

The result, which not only added to Bayern’s problems after leaving Europe, put Borussia Dortmund in control of the league title race. Dortmund made the most of their rivals’ slide on Saturday and responded with a 4-0 home win against Eintracht Frankfurt to take a point clear at the top.

The first goal for Jurgen Klopp’s former employers was none other than Jude Bellingham, a player still linked to Liverpool for the past 18 months. The news that the Reds are currently cooling off their interest in the teenage midfielder hasn’t been well received by fans, but could a scenario arise where Liverpool get a second chance to recruit the Birmingham-born youngster?

Should Dortmund become champions for the first time in over a decade, at a time when Bayern are seemingly in decline, Bellingham may decide to wait for the right moment before opting for the next step in his burgeoning career.

A recent Times report suggested this could prove to be the reality of the situation, with the 19-year-old expected to stay at his current club and re-evaluate in 2024, rather than be “pushed to a step which is not quite right”. ‘. .

Such an attitude may keep alive the hopes Liverpool fans will nurture of one day seeing Bellingham in a Liverpool shirt – and Dortmund’s resurgence only furthers the notion that the midfielder who should win world football for the next decade will dominate, perhaps doubts. a hasty flight to the exit doors.

Also.. 

Liverpool Legend Steven Gerrard’s son was mascot at Anfield – and scored in front of the Kop!

A dream came true for Steven Gerrard’s son Lio on Saturday as he left Anfield alongside his hero Mohamed Salah.

“My Lio, he’s obsessed,” Gerrard told Salah when they reunited for LFCTV earlier this year.

“He loves you more than me, you’re the only person he loves more than me!” I’m second.”

The day, week, month and year were set for Lio Gerrard when he retired as mascot in Saturday’s 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest.

The young Gerrard imitated his father and came out with his hands on his hips before holding salahs as they walked onto the pitch ahead of kick-off.

He then joined Gerrard in the stands for a lackluster first half before returning to the center circle as the pair met two fans for a half-time game. Lio had the opportunity to take a penalty in front of the Kop – and of course to score to thunderous applause.

It’s not Lio Gerrard’s first time playing at Anfield, of course – he recently joined his father in the LFC Legends charity games.

But coming out of the tunnel next to Salah might have been even better.

In February, Gerrard unveiled the latest addition to his son’s bedroom when local artist MurWalls painted a replica of the Liverpool dressing room to complement his mural of Salah, Luis Diaz and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

After Gerrard was relieved of his duties at Aston Villa in October – and in no rush to take on his next manager’s job – he and his son have had a lot more time to watch Liverpool. And with seven games to play this season, Lio even has a chance to overtake his father as the club’s fifth-highest goalscorer in history.