Bayern Munich: Manuel Neuer backs Leroy Sane to regain form
The 2020/21 campaign was not a vintage one for Bayern Munich. Even though they managed to create history by winning the tenth consecutive Bundesliga title, the cup defeats made it an underwhelming campaign. The second half of the season was particularly disappointing for the Bavarians as they were knocked out of the Champions League by Villarreal.
Along with the team, some players also endured a significant dip in form during Ruckrunde. Leroy Sane is one of the first team players that had a tame end to the season. The German winger was not as decisive in the second half of the season as he was in the first six months of the campaign.
Leroy Sane ended the season with 14 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. It is a good output for a wide player, but it could have been so much better for Sane after a successful Hinrunde. In the second half of the season, he managed only three goals and three assists across all competitions. (Stats courtesy: Whoscored)
Sane’s poor form saw him demoted to the bench by the end of the season. Despite a disappointing second half of the season, Sane’s teammates are confident about a stronger year ahead for the winger. While talking to Bild this week (via iMiaSanMia), club captain Manuel Neuer backed Sane to come back strongly next season.
"“Leroy is someone who is emotional, and also sensitive on some topics. We saw the performances he showed in the first six months. That’s why, for me, it wasn’t a negative year for Leroy. It was a year with ups and downs, just like FC Bayern.”“Leroy played a great first half of the season, that was excellent. We know what we have in him. I am quite sure that he will be an important player for us in the team.”"
Considering the talent Sane possesses, he should be eyeing minimum 40 goal contributions every season. He is about to enter the peak of his career, so there should be more composure and maturity in his performances.
The positional switch from Julian Nagelsmann at the start of the season helped Sane massively. The German coach is likely to keep using Sane in the same position next season, so his productivity in the final third should keep on improving. The biggest positive for Sane during the 2021/22 campaign was an improvement in his fitness as he finally got the rhythm back after recovering from an ACL injury in 2020.
Sane will have fierce competition for a place in the starting XI from next season. The Bavarian club is chasing the signing of Sadio Mane from Liverpool. The Senegalese winger can also play in wide areas, so Sane will have to be consistent to feature regularly in the starting XI.
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After a disappointing second half of the season, Leroy Sane will be looking to score a few goals for Germany in the upcoming UEFA Nations League. Few goals for Germany can be the ideal confidence booster for him before returning to pre-season at Sabner Strasse in July.