Julian Nagelsmann admits he ‘doesn’t know why’ Leroy Sane is in poor form… but the Bayern Munich boss played down any friction between them after star winger was annoyed at being substituted
- Julian Nagelsmann said he doesn’t ‘know why’ Leroy Sane isn’t playing well
- Sane was substituted off 65 minutes in Bayern Munich’s 1-0 win over Augsburg
- Nagelsmann backed his young winger, saying he has ‘incredible qualities’
Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann has admitted that he does not know why Leroy Sane is underperforming for the club at the moment.
The former Manchester City winger was brought off after 65 minutes for Kingsley Coman in Bayern’s 1-0 win over Augsburg on Saturday, and seemed visibly irritated at being replaced.
Sane has played 40 games for the Bundesliga champions this season, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists.
Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann said he doesn’t know why Leroy Sane is out of form
Nagelsmann substituted Sane (left) after 65 minutes in Bayern’s 1-0 victory over Augsburg
However, a large slice of these have come in the Champions League, where Sane has excelled. In the domestic league, Sane’s return has been seven goals and assists each in 28 appearances.
The 26-year-old came off early on Saturday as he failed to make an impact on the game. Nagelsmann admitted it was a puzzle as to why he was playing below par, but that he was confident Sane would bounce back.
‘I like Leroy very much, as a person and as a player. Everyone knows that he has incredible qualities,’ Nagelsmann told GOAL and SPOX.
‘He is self-critical enough and knows himself that he hasn’t recently played well. I don’t know exactly why.
Sane cut a frustrated figure when he came off for Kingsley Coman having not made an impact
‘He’s had ups and downs throughout his career. I support him completely.’
Nagelsmann dismissed any lingering issues with Sane over the substitution, after which the winger offered the Bayern boss a half-hearted handshake.
‘I’m not angry, we don’t have to make a headline out of it,’ he said.
Bayern remain on course to secure a record-breaking 10th consecutive league title, as they sit nine points clear of Borussia Dortmund in second place.
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