Bayern Munich: Hansi Flick not surprised by Leroy Sane’s resurgence
The international break has not been kind for the majority of the German contingent from Bayern Munich. Niklas Sule, Joshua Kimmich, and Jamal Musiala have to isolate from the squad after Sule tested positive for COVID-19. However, the game against Liechtenstein did see some promising performances from Die Roten players.
Manuel Neuer managed to get a clean sheet as Germany clinched a whopping 9-0 victory. Meanwhile, Thomas Muller was amongst goals as he grabbed a brace in this huge win. Leon Goretzka also had an assist to his name, but he suffered a knock in the game that has ruled him out for the second game of the international break.
The pick of the German players on the night was Leroy Sane. The 25-year-old winger managed to score two goals during his stay on the pitch. Sane was electric in the final third, causing all kinds of problems for Liechtenstein.
Sane has been unplayable in the past few weeks for club and country. He has rediscovered the form that he showed before the cruciate ligament injury in 2019. While talking to the media after the game (via TZ and DFB), Germany’s head coach Hansi Flick admitted that Sane’s resurgence is not a surprise to him since one needs extended time to rediscover the best form after such a gruesome injury.
"“He’s shown in the last few weeks what a great player he is. He plays with an ease – that’s impressive.”“We always said that Leroy had a serious injury, something like that takes time. The ease is back, the way he plays football, it’s just fun. He’s also working in defense, he’s made an amazing development. I’m happy for him because he’s just a great person, too.”"
The German winger had an inconsistent first season as he showed only glimpses of his brilliance. The second season also started poorly as he was jeered by Bayern fans at Allianz Arena for poor performances.
Things started falling in place for Sane after Julian Nagelsmann decided to move him on the left flank. Despite starting on the left flank, Sane was also given the freedom to occupy central positions. With this tweak in position, Sane witnessed improvement in his productivity in the final third. Hansi Flick also decided to deploy him in a similar position for the national team.
As of now, Sane has 24 goals and assists for club and country this season. For Die Roten, Sane has eight goals and eight assists to his name this season. The German winger should be targeting 20 goals across all competitions, which will be a significant improvement from last season.
Sane’s consistency has made sure that he is one of the first names on the team sheet for Nagelsmann. The German winger has been under immense criticism since moving from Manchester City. However, things are on an upward trajectory for Sane, both at the club and country level. Long may his form continue.