“Truth Always Takes the Stairs and the Lie Takes the Elevator” – Mamadou Sakho Opens Up on Liverpool Exit Under Jurgen Klopp
Mamadou Sakho, the former Liverpool defender, has once again shed light on his controversial departure from Anfield, citing issues with transparency and fairness under manager Jürgen Klopp. The French centre-back, who joined Liverpool in 2013, found himself sidelined by Klopp before eventually moving to Crystal Palace. In a recent interview, Sakho used the phrase, “Truth always takes the stairs and the lie takes the elevator,” to express his frustration over how his exit unfolded.
A Promising Start Turned Sour
Sakho was an integral part of Liverpool’s defense under Brendan Rodgers, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment. However, his tenure took a drastic turn when Klopp arrived in October 2015. Initially, Sakho continued to be a regular in Klopp’s setup, but cracks in their relationship started to appear during the club’s 2016 pre-season tour of the United States.
The Fallout with Klopp
During that tour, Sakho was reportedly sent home for disciplinary reasons, including issues with punctuality. Klopp cited “lack of respect for team rules” as the primary reason. However, Sakho later claimed that the situation was blown out of proportion and that he was unfairly treated. His attempts to return to the squad were met with resistance, and he was ultimately forced to train with Liverpool’s reserves before being loaned to Crystal Palace in January 2017.
Speaking Out on His Departure
In his recent statement, Sakho hinted at feeling misrepresented throughout the saga. He suggested that the narrative surrounding his departure was not entirely truthful and that he had to take the long road to clear his name. “Truth always takes the stairs and the lie takes the elevator,” he said, implying that while falsehoods spread quickly, the truth eventually prevails. Sakho emphasized that he had always been professional and dedicated to the club, and he wished things had been handled differently.
After Liverpool – Redemption at Crystal Palace
After his Liverpool exit, Sakho rebuilt his career at Crystal Palace, where he regained his form and reputation. Although injuries hampered his time at Selhurst Park, he remained a respected figure within the squad. His ability to move past the controversy and focus on his career reflects his resilience.
Klopp’s Perspective
Jürgen Klopp has rarely addressed the matter in detail, maintaining that his decision was purely professional. Given Klopp’s track record of handling disciplinary matters strictly, Sakho’s exit was consistent with the manager’s approach to team harmony and discipline.
The Lesson from Sakho’s Experience
Sakho’s situation is a reminder that in football, as in life, the truth may take longer to be recognized, but it eventually finds its way to the surface. While he never got the chance to reclaim his place at Liverpool, his story serves as a testament to perseverance and integrity in the face of adversity.
Despite their differences, both Sakho and Klopp have moved forward, leaving fans to speculate on what could have been if their relationship had taken a different turn. One thing remains certain: Sakho’s words reflect the reality that perception and truth don’t always align, but in the long run, the truth prevails.