Ronald Koeman has been pleased with the response of Sadio Mané after leaving him out of the team at Norwich, and revealed the forward has told the club he is happy at Saints and intends to stay.
Mané was omitted from the starting line-up in last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at Carrow Road after being late for a team meeting on the day of the game.
However, Koeman explained that he spoke to the forward this week and that a line has been drawn under the issue now. He added that Mané has responded in positive fashion, while the player also reassured the club he is keen to remain at St Mary’s, despite speculation linking other sides with him.
“What I saw this week from Sadio is a good reaction, and you hope for a good reaction, because he is an important player, he can make a difference in the team, he can score goals,” Koeman told youtube.com/southamptonfc.
“He is a player who is very unpredictable for a lot of opponents, and a good Sadio Mané gives the team more chances to win the game.
“Ok, he's still young, he makes his excuse that he did a big mistake.
“There's no difference in the situation of Sadio. A lot of media people think he is trying to go out of Southampton, but he mentioned to the club he is still happy in Southampton and he will continue and it's no reason to change, and that's maybe a clear message to everybody outside of the club.”
Koeman also confirmed that Mané would be available for selection from the start against Crystal Palace in Saturday’s FA Cup third-round match.
"Yes, he's a player like everybody who gets a chance and you know he's an important player, and important players normally you put them in the starting line-up,” said the Saints boss.
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