Sadio Mané has opened up about his team’s resilient comeback performance, stressing that experience and composure played a crucial role in overturning a difficult start.
Speaking after the match, the Senegalese forward admitted the opening half was frustrating, with his side dominating possession but still conceding twice. “We know these kinds of matches thanks to our experience,” Mané explained. “After the second goal, we didn’t panic. We knew it was possible to equalize and come back.”
Despite controlling much of the game, Mané said the team’s inability to convert early chances gave their opponents the opportunity to strike. “We were the better side, but despite our possession in the first half, they scored two goals,” he noted. “That’s football. Sometimes you play well, but small mistakes get punished.”
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The turning point came after they managed to pull one back, which sparked belief in the dressing room at halftime. According to Mané, the conversations among players during the break were vital to maintaining focus. “After the score was reduced, in the locker room, we told ourselves it was possible,” he said. “It was important to talk to each other, even with the noise that sometimes prevented us from hearing each other. We kept encouraging one another, and that gave us confidence to push harder.”
Mané highlighted the team’s unity and mental strength, insisting that experience at the highest level teaches players to stay calm under pressure. “We’ve been in these situations before. The key is not to lose your head. We stayed organized, kept moving the ball, and waited for our moment.”
The comeback, he added, was proof of the squad’s fighting spirit. “We never stopped believing,” Mané said with a smile. “Everyone gave their best, and in the end, that made the difference.”
With the victory secured, the forward emphasized the importance of building on the momentum. “This match showed our character. We need to keep this same mentality for the rest of the competition. Nothing is easy at this level, but with determination, anything is possible.”
