Sadio Mane has revealed a timely interjection from a Liverpool legend was enough to spur him on to score three goals in Wednesday night's 5-0 thrashing of Porto in the Champions League.
The Senegal winger managed to get his name on the scoresheet early as the Reds went in 2-0 ahead at the break.
However, while making his way down the tunnel, Mane received some stellar advice from none other than Jamie Carragher, who was stationed at pitchside while working for Norwegian broadcasters Viasport.
Mané: - At halftime, @Carra23 told me to score more goals.
— Viasport Fotball (@ViasportFotball) February 14, 2018
(@JanAageFjortoft) pic.twitter.com/sqTVcoBMFr
"He [Carragher] is my good friend," Mane told Viasport presenter Jan-Aage Fjortoft after completing his hat-trick in the second half. "At half-time he told me to score more goals, and we tried as a team. Luckily I got three goals today and I'm happy."
Who better to be dish out goal-scoring advice than a man who mustered a grand total of five goal in almost 750 appearances for Liverpool.
As well as an impressive performance at left-back, Andrew Robertson also proved his worth with an important assist after the final whistle which ensured hat trick hero Mane got to take home the match ball.
Mane almost missed out on a special souvenir last night - but Robertson ensured he took home the match ball. 😁
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 15, 2018
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"I had to go running after the ball boy for Sadio's ball at the end -- he was nearly upset! Luckily, I managed to get it," Robertson told the club website.
The result was even enough to coax a few words of congratulations out of club owner John W. Henry, who was full of praise for his boys:
Tremendous effort in 5-0 win tonight away from home in Champions League. A lot of talent displaying selfless, smart play we all can be proud of. Huge, satisfying step toward final eight.
— John W. Henry (@John_W_Henry) February 14, 2018
Amassing a 5-0 lead in the first leg ensures Liverpool should face a comparatively easy ride at Anfield in the second in three weeks' time.