Liverpool Star Banished from Pre-Season After Klopp Calls Him Out on Camera
Liverpool’s pre-season tour in the USA has been overshadowed by a significant incident involving former defender Mamadou Sakho. The fallout occurred during a previous trip Stateside, where tensions escalated between Sakho and then-manager Jurgen Klopp, culminating in Sakho’s premature departure from the squad.
Background on Mamadou Sakho
Mamadou Sakho, who officially retired from professional football earlier this year, had been without a club since May 2025. The French defender joined Liverpool in September 2013 under the management of Brendan Rodgers, arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for a fee of £18 million. His tenure at Liverpool was marked by both promise and controversy, particularly during Klopp’s early days at the club.
The Incident in the USA
During Klopp’s first pre-season with Liverpool in the summer of 2016, Sakho’s behavior raised eyebrows. The incident that led to his dismissal unfolded while the team was visiting Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. As Klopp was being interviewed, Sakho was seen in the background, laughing and filming with a GoPro camera. Klopp took the opportunity to address Sakho’s lateness, stating, “We could have left Mama Sakho here because he is filming me while I give the interview here.”
Sakho responded with a light-hearted question about living on Alcatraz, but the underlying issue of his tardiness was serious. Klopp noted that Sakho had nearly missed the departure of the plane, missed a training session, and was late for a meal. The manager emphasized the importance of adhering to team rules, stating, “If somebody doesn’t respect it… then I have to react, that’s all.”
Klopp’s Decision
Following the incident, Klopp decided it was best for Sakho to return to Liverpool. He explained that the situation was not overly serious but required a response. Klopp mentioned, “He nearly missed the departure of the plane, he missed a session and was late for a meal. We have some rules and we have to respect them.”
The manager’s patience had worn thin, leading to Sakho’s demotion to the Under-23 squad, effectively ending his time with the senior team.
Sakho’s Response
In a later interview, Sakho acknowledged his tardiness and accepted responsibility for his actions. He stated, “It is true that I turned up late. There was a rule that I should have observed. I do not at all see myself as above the rules, I respect everyone.” He confirmed that he had paid a fine and apologized to his teammates and manager.
Career After Liverpool
Sakho’s time at Liverpool was marked by ups and downs. His debut season nearly brought the club its first Premier League title in 25 years, but he played only 18 league matches as the team struggled defensively. Following his fallout with Klopp, Sakho was loaned to Crystal Palace in January 2017, where he excelled and earned a permanent transfer for £25 million later that year.
After leaving Liverpool, Sakho played for Montpellier and later for Torpedo Kutaisi in Georgia before retiring from professional football.
As reported by www.mirror.co.uk.
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Published on 2026-07-26 09:30:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk