Liverpool forward Sadio Mane has expressed his excitement at the possibility of the Reds winning the Premier League title this season.
Liverpool last won a trophy in 2012, whilst the much-coveted league title has eluded the club for an astonishing 29 years.
The Reds hold a four point lead over reigning champions Manchester City and there is a real sense of quiet optimism growing at Anfield.
And Mane, who has been at the club since 2016, admits he is dreaming of lifting a trophy with Liverpool, although acknowledging how difficult it may be.
“I can't wait to lift a trophy with Liverpool. I know the fans are desperate for us to win the Premier League,” Mane told World Soccer magazine.
Image: Getty Images via Liverpool FC
“It would be an amazing moment for the club. It has been far too long for a team the size of Liverpool.
“We believe we are heading in the right direction, but there are some very tough rivals – City were unbelievable last season and very strong again – but why not?”
Mane has scored 43 goals in 101 appearances for the club, becoming an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's attacking unit.
There had been speculation over his future last summer, but the Senegalese international put that to bed by signing a contract extension that keeps him at Anfield till 2023.
“I'm very happy here and I think people are happy with me too,” Mane added, asked about the speculation.
“We want to write our names alongside the many great ones in the story of this club. Hopefully it's the beginning of something special.
“We are very competitive but know there is even more to come, for sure. In many ways, the team is stronger and we have produced some very mature performances.
“Hopefully we will hit our top form when it matters most.”
Liverpool take on Leicester City on Wednesday night as they look to extend their lead over Man City to seven points after 24 games.
The Reds prepared for Leicester with a warm-weather training camp in Dubai, and Mane was keen to stress the benefits of the trip to the Middle East.
Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images
“It was really cool. It was not the best weather ever, but compared to Liverpool it was much, much better! The four-day trip was very important for the team,” he said.
“Take the example of last year—we had new players like Mo and Virgil. Especially Virgil, he [grew] so close to everybody, it was very important for us and for him as well to be involved more in the team.
“After Dubai, it looked like he had already been with us here for three or four years.
“This year we had more new players than last year. It's very important. Here, you don't have time to go out together.
“This kind of [trip] helps us to talk about different things, not only football.”
You can keep up with all the action from Anfield via LFC Globe's live match-day coverage.