Mane: It wasn't easy but we tried and tried again
Sadio Mane paid tribute to Liverpool's persistence after Newcastle United were beaten 2-0 at Anfield on Saturday.
Jürgen Klopp's team needed to show plenty of patience to claim three points from obstinate opponents who looked good value for a point until Mohamed Salah broke the deadlock late in the first half.
Mane added to the hosts' tally early in the second period to ultimately give the victory a routine feel, but the winger insists it was anything but for the players.
He told Liverpoolfc.com: "I'm very happy. It was not an easy game but, like always, we tried and tried again and in the end we got three points.
"I think we deserved to win this game today, even if it was not easy because Newcastle is a very well-organised team.
"They didn't give any space in the beginning but we just [kept trying].
"After we scored the first goal it was a little bit easier for us because they tried to open the game.
"It was not easy but this kind of game can happen. As a team, we were solid and did what was important to win the game.
"You can't play every game 100 per cent but hopefully the next game we will be."
LFCTV GO: See the best of the action at Anfield
Liverpool secured their fourth clean sheet in six games in shutting out Rafael Benitez's side at Anfield.
Mane lavished praise upon the back four and goalkeeper Loris Karius for the part they played in providing a platform for victory.
He added: "All the time it's very important because sometimes it's difficult, you can't score a goal.
"If you get a clean sheet it helps because, if they score against you, you have to get two more goals to get the three points.
"But they did a great job behind us and they pushed us."