Liverpool ace Sadio Mane won't hear criticism of teammate Dejan Lovren.

The Croatian was trolled when he claimed “People should recognise I am one of the best defenders in the world" before the start of the season.

Yet he helped Liverpool to last season's Champions League final and his country to the World Cup final.

And Mane backed him, despite sniping from other fans.

He said: “I agree. Even now Dejan is one of the best defenders out there.

“He went to the World Cup and we saw what he did. In football it is normal for us to give ourselves morale in major competitions. So if he said he is the best defender in the world, why not?

“He was playing amazingly well, so there is no problem with that."