Bayern Munich: Sadio Mane focussing on small steps to get full fitness
It was a very productive weekend for Bayern Munich. They got back to winning ways in the Bundesliga after losing to Borussia Monchengladbach last weekend. Die Roten delivered a near-perfect performance against Union Berlin on Sunday to earn all three points.
First-half goals from Thomas Muller, Jamal Musiala, and Kingsley Coman were enough for Bayern to defeat Union Berlin. It was a very impressive performance considering Die Roten’s inconsistency in the Bundesliga. Moreover, Union Berlin has been one of the success stories of the Bundesliga this season as they sit third, three points behind Die Roten.
Along with a convincing performance and result, Die Roten also had positive news on the injury front this weekend. Kingsley Coman returned to the starting lineup after missing the game against Gladbach due to a minor knock. Meanwhile, Sadio Mane also made his first appearance in three months after recovering from a serious injury.
Mane injured his tibia during a 6-1 win against Werder Bremen at the start of November. Unfortunately, he missed the World Cup for Senegal and underwent surgery to repair the damage at the end of November. While talking to the media on Sunday (via TZ), Mane insisted that he is likely to manage the workload in the next few games to achieve complete fitness.
"“It’s important to take the whole thing step by step. I played 30 minutes today, maybe next game I can play 45 minutes or an hour.”"
Bayern and Julian Nagelsmann have several options in the attack, so easing Mane into the team makes a lot of sense. The Senegalese forward has a big role to play in the next couple of months, so Die Roten needs to avoid a relapse in the process of him getting completely fit.
Sadio Mane enjoyed a very good start to his debut season at Bayern, scoring goals across several competitions. The Senegalese forward suffered dip in performances, but still managed to contribute with 11 goals across all competitions. His versatility in the final third gives great tactical flexibility to Julian Nagelsmann.
In an ideal scenario, Sadio Mane comes on early in the second half against Stuttgart. He can eventually play an hour or so in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Paris Saint-Germain. The French club will visit Allianz Arena on March 8. Mane’s knack for scoring goals in big games will be very useful against PSG.
Next. Bayern Munich interested in Ligue 1 defender. dark
Want your voice heard? Join the Bayern Strikes team!
Meanwhile, Noussair Mazraoui is also expected to be in the matchday squad against VfB Stuttgart. The Moroccan full-back has been battling an infection after suffering from coronavirus at the end of December. Mazraoui is likely to come off the bench against Stuttgart next weekend after training with the team in the last ten days.