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Jurgen Klopp saluted Sadio Mane’s flying start to the season and warned top-flight defenders: “He’s going to get even better.”

The Senegal international cemented his hero status on the Kop with a stunning performance as the Reds booked their place in the group stage of the Champions League with victory over Hoffenheim.

Mane has kicked on impressively after a fine first year at Anfield. He scored in the opening two league games against Watford and Crystal Palace, and his impact is all the more remarkable considering he missed half of pre-season as he recovered from a knee injury.

Klopp is relishing the prospect of unleashing the in-form winger on Arsenal on Sunday. Mane scored both home and away to help Liverpool record their first league double over the Gunners for 17 years last term.

“Yes, Sadio has made a big step,” Klopp said.

“Being more clear in all the situations. Passing in the right moment, dribbling in the right moments, always being a goal threat.

“He had a long break but he has started so well. Last season he didn’t start too badly either. At Arsenal he scored a nice goal.

“Sadio is not at the limit. Like all these boys, he can still improve.”

Mane’s importance to Liverpool is underlined by the fact that he has scored 10 goals and provided five assists in just 17 home appearances for the club.

He received a standing ovation when he was substituted late on against Hoffenheim and his name echoed around Anfield. Klopp wants all his players to enjoy that kind of bond with the Kop.

“I like to imagine that we can create that special bond between the fans and the whole team,” he said.

“I don’t need a special bond because I don’t run. I know about my bond with the supporters but I don’t need it during games. I don’t need support as I am there to help the team. The crowd need to help the team.

“Having that relationship between the fans and the team is what I would love to have, not just with single players.

“Criticise me if you aren’t happy but support them until the final whistle and then criticise me again. That’s the way I think it should be.”

Mane has been shifted to the left this season to accommodate club record signing Mohamed Salah on the right flank. Roberto Firmino has been leading the charge through the middle and that front three should fancy their chances of wreaking more havoc against the Gunners.

Klopp was blown away by Firmino’s contribution against his former club in midweek.

“Who was in doubt about Roberto? Sorry, anyone who was lost my respect one-and-a-half years ago already,” Klopp said.

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“He is an unbelievable player. Working hard, everybody speaks about the passing game, but it’s the challenges he makes defensively, chasing them from behind, all over the pitch. They couldn’t get rid of him. That is the character you need to make the next step with a team which is already good.”

Salah has already scored twice in four outings for the Reds with the Egypt international having to adapt and take on more defensive duties than he was used to in Serie A.

“You can see Mo (Salah) is on the way there,” he added.

“Not that used to it. Not using the body that much. He’s a different player to Sadio, same speed, but a different player.

“He played a completely different position last season, he was the second striker at Roma.

“He is a winger - he can play this. He has defended 500% more already than he did in the whole of last season.”