Jurgen Klopp: Sadio Mane could secure Ballon d'Or if Liverpool win Champions League

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp believes Champions League glory will help forward Sadio Mane win this year’s Ballon d’Or. The Senegalese star is said to be in contention for the best player of the year award having played an instrumental role in the Reds’ quest for an unprecedented quadruple this season, as well as helping his country to a first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. Ad/> Mane, 30, was also on target in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Villarreal in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final at Anfield, scoring his 20th goal in all competitions for the club this campaign.

/> Football'I have nothing to do with Ballon d'Or nominations' — Klopp on ManeAN HOUR AGO Asked after the game if his player deserves the award, Klopp says he was unclear of the criteria for winning but says claiming Europe’s top prize should help Mane’s chances. «He's played an outstanding season,” Klopp told reporters. “Sadio is an outstanding player.

“I have nothing to do with the Ballon d'Or nominations. I don't understand it 100 percent. “He is world class.

He again played a really good game for us but I have no idea, I don't know how you come with that question with the season not even over. Liverpool look absolutely unstoppable — The Warm-Up 'The game is still alive' — Henderson warns against Liverpool complacency 'The best I've ever seen' — Ferdinand, Owen and Crouch line up to laud Liverpool “Historically you have to win something to win the Ballon d'Or, most of the time it was like this. If you're not (Lionel) Messi or (Cristiano) Ronaldo you have to probably win the Champions League, which we haven't done yet.