Sunday 9 October 2016 17:10, UK
Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has revealed he tries to follow Barcelona legend Ronaldinho's approach to football.
The Senegal international has been in impressive form for Jurgen Klopp's side since making the move to Anfield from Southampton in June.
Mane has scored three goals and provided one assist for the Reds, helping them climb to fourth in the Premier League table on the back of four consecutive victories.
The 24-year-old is clearly enjoying his time on Merseyside and tries to follow the positive inspiration shown by Ronaldinho.
"Some people say I don't smile enough. I think that's wrong. I'm usually smiling and having a laugh in training because I enjoy football," he said, according to Liverpool's official magazine.
"Ronaldinho always did that and I've always tried to copy him.
"I think footballers have plenty of reasons to smile. We have a great job that everybody would like to have."
Mane believes the freedom offered to players in attacking areas by Klopp has benefited the team, with everyone clear of their role in the set-up.
"It's a system where everybody knows their job ... we know each other's game," he added.
"It's become easier for us thanks to working on it and we are enjoying playing this way. Whether I'm starting up front or out wide isn't really the most important thing.
"The manager says be free and then get into dangerous areas where you can hurt the opposition."
Liverpool face adversaries Manchester United in the first Monday Night Football match after the international break.
The Reds lost both league games to United last season but defeated their rivals 3-1 on aggregate in the Europa League.
Watch Liverpool Manchester United on October 17. Coverage begins on Sky Sports 1 HD at 7pm.
