Bayern Munich: Julian Nagelsmann opens up on Leroy Sane’s position

The couple of weeks before the international break saw a lot of talk regarding Leroy Sane and Bayern Munich. The German winger has endured a difficult start to the season as he struggled to make strong contributions during August.

Sane has been subject to a lot of criticism this season, which included jeering from home fans during 3-2 win against FC Koln in matchday two of the Bundesliga. The German international was eventually dropped to the bench for Jamal Musiala in the final game before the international break against Hertha Berlin.

While bringing Sane from the bench, Nagelsmann decided to use him on the left flank. This change in the position made a positive impact on Sane’s performances as he looked much more threatening in the final third.

Even though the positional change has reaped the rewards for Sane, Nagelsmann is not giving assurances of him playing in this role consistently. In the latest interview (H/T Manuel Bonke, TZ), Nagelsmann admitted that he wants more positional flexibility from all players, including Sane.

"“I am already a coach who wants to stand for variability and also demands from his players that they can play different positions. That also applies to Leroy!”“Of course, as a coach you always have to consider that the player plays in the position where he feels comfortable and thus brings his potential to the pitch. Of course, there will also be moments when he plays on the right, when he plays centrally. Sane has the quality to play a supporting role anywhere on the pitch. And that’s independent of the side or the position.”"

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Sane did look lethal on the left and right flank during his time at Manchester City. While playing on the right, he gets more chances to cut inside and unleash the shot. On the left flank, the German winger can be much more direct and deliver crosses in the box to find his teammates.

Nagelsmann has laid down the challenge for Sane to become much more flexible forward under him. The German coach has managed to get the best out of numerous forwards in the past, so Sane has a good chance of getting back to his best under him. The international break has also been a confidence booster for Sane as he performed well against Armenia and Liechtenstein.

Things have not been smooth sailing for Sane since arriving at the club during last summer transfer window. The German winger had to wait a year for the move to happen as he suffered a serious ligament injury at the start of the 2019/20 campaign.

Even though Sane posted decent numbers in the final third during his debut season in Bavaria, consistency in his performances was missing. The ligament injury had taken a toll on his performances, but the second season is expected to be much better for him. The start of the season has not been the best, but the last cameo against Hertha Berlin does suggest that better days are ahead for Sane in Bavaria.