Central Coast Mariners have quashed reports striker Malick Mane has left the club but say they are open to letting him leave on compassionate grounds.
Rumours swirled late on Monday the Senegalese attacker was on his way back to parent club IFK Goteborg after failing to settle on the Central Coast.
It was also alleged he blasted his team-mates and let fly with expletives in the dressing-room at half-time of the club’s Westfield FFA Cup loss to Adelaide United last week.
Mane requested a release following that match, citing personal/family issues, with the club releasing a statement on Tuesday to try and clear up the matter.
“As of this morning, Malick Mane has not been released from his loan agreement with Central Coast Mariners FC,” the Mariners’ statement read.
“Central Coast Mariners FC are open to releasing Mane from his loan spell in Australia on compassionate grounds, but no paperwork has yet been finalised.”
The Mariners also rejected suggestions the 26-year-old flyer swore at his team-mates over their poor first half at Coopers Stadium in the Westfield FFA Cup semi-final.
“Mané did express his disappointment at being told of his impending substitution in the change rooms in Adelaide, but did not direct anything towards his teammates, the coaching staff, or club,” the statement said.
After a promising debut in the season-opener against the Newcastle Jets, Mane has failed to show his best and it’s understood he is struggling to settle in Australia away from his family.
It’s believed – if he gets a release – Mane will return to his Swedish club immediately.
Mane was left out of the squad for Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Melbourne City and also won’t feature in the club’s clash with Western Sydney Wanderers FC at Pirtek Stadium on Wednesday night.
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