Barring the unforgettable defeat against Borussia Monchengladbach in DFB Pokal, Bayern Munich had a very good Hinrunde. The Bavarian club is well on course to defend their Bundesliga title after getting a lead of nine points over second-placed Borussia Dortmund at the halfway stage of the season.
Die Roten also enjoyed a flawless group campaign in the Champions League. They won all of their six games in style, which also included comfortable victories against Barcelona. The German club will be facing Red Bull Salzburg in the round of 16 in 2022.
The quality collective performances from Die Roten during Hinrunde were accompanied by some individual brilliance. Robert Lewandowski was the best player for Rekordmeister during the first half of the season, while Leroy Sane was the most improved player in the same period.
After a difficult debut season in Bavaria, Sane endured a poor start to the second season. However, he managed to turn things around after the first international break of the 2021/22 campaign. He has been one of the best wingers in Europe during the last three months. While talking to Bild am Sonntag (via iMiaSanMia), Sane expressed his gratitude toward club chiefs for backing him during difficult debut season.
"“I always felt the trust of the club from all sides. The whole club’s management, but also Uli Hoeness contacted me and showed me absolute support. So much encouragement and support do not exist at every club.”"
Sane managed ten goals and 12 assists across 44 games last season. There have been stark improvement in the final third this year for Sae. At the halfway stage of the season, Sane already has 11 goals and 12 assists in 26 games. The German winger is well on course to have 20 goals and 20 assists by the end of the campaign.
The start of good form for Sane coincided with the change in his position under Julian Nagelsmann. The German coach gave Sane a free role on the left flank. He was allowed to cut inside and occupy central zones in the final third. Sane made full use of this freedom as he was able to get himself in good goalscoring positions and consistently create chances for his teammates.
Leroy Sane believes that change in position is not the only reason behind the upturn in form. The German international believes that he needed a little bit of time to get used to the new environment at Bayern. His adaptation period was prolonged since he was joining the club after missing nine months of action due to a serious knee injury.
The Bavarian faithful at Allianz Arena was harsh on Leroy Sane earlier this season. He was jeered by fans in one of the Bundesliga games. However, Sane has responded brilliantly and silenced his critics. Die Roten and Nagelsmann will be hoping Sane to maintain this consistency during the second half of the season.