Leroy Sané is already in his fourth season at Bayern Munich. Despite all the successes in recent years, the offensive man could never fully convince due to a lack of consistency with Munich. That should change this season. The chances are good, because with Thomas Tuchel the 27-year-old seems to have a player whisperer at his side, who could bring him to his personal maximum and even make an icon of the record champions forgotten.
It was just a small, seemingly insignificant gesture, but perhaps the clearly noticeable kick in the butt that Thomas Tuchel gave Leroy Sané at the end of March, when the then freshly installed Nagelsmann successor took over FC Bayern, was exactly what Sané needed. In any case, it seems as if the German international, who has always been highly talented, has started to think differently.
Sané had always been praised for his fine technique, his overview, his pace and his nose for goals, but the offensive man, who was considered to be moody, was rarely able to consistently bring these skills to the pitch. In the last season he played convincingly up until the Winter World Cup in Qatar, but then fell into the hole he was almost used to and was also conspicuous for his lack of discipline, such as frequent tardiness.
That shouldn’t happen again in 2023/24, not only Sané but also Tuchel, who is experienced in dealing with challenging player personalities, has set himself the goal. Even before the start of the season, the coach singled out the 27-year-old and at the same time held him accountable. Sané has “every chance of dominating the league. It’s just up to him,” emphasized Tuchel, adding meaningfully: “There’s definitely something to do.”
Sané with a milestone in the FC Bayern jersey
In any case, the full preparation under Tuchel seems to have helped Sané. The offensive man impressed with diligence and commitment in the friendlies. At the start of the season in Bremen (4-0), the technician scored a brace. A personal milestone, because Sané had never managed that before in 143 Bundesliga games. Not only did Tuchel help him along the way, but also the transfer of Harry Kane, believes Bayern legend Paul Breitner.
“With Kane he finally has someone who takes a lot of responsibility from him,” Breitner told “BR” and predicts that Sané “can now play freely and not every pass is put on the scales. We will still be from Leroy Sané see great things.”
The legitimate hopes for the final breakthrough were made possible by Tuchel, who – unlike Nagelsmann – does not use Sané in the center but on the outside, where the “world-class facilities” of the DFB team, which Lothar Matthäus recently highlighted on “Sky”, Kickers, such as “speed, dribbling strength, finesse” can come into their own.
In any case, against Werder, Sané showed the pure joy of playing that grew with him (sport.de– Grade 1.5). There is no longer a trace of listlessness, which in the past could be read one or the other time on the shoulders or face. Alone: The 27-year-old acted rather cautiously during his two goal celebrations. Only Thomas Müller, who came on late, was able to elicit a grin from him after the interim 3:0 (90th). The Müller that Sané could even make us forget in the coming months.
Sané feels Tuchel’s confidence in Bayern
In any case, Breitner sees no room for the Bavarian veteran in the well-functioning offensive around Musiala, Coman, Kane and Sané. He has “no idea” what role Müller could play, “except for the one on the bench. At least if nothing major happens,” analyzed Breitner. Also thanks to Sané’s change and Tuchel’s ability to press the right switch with the offensive man.
“He gives me a very good feeling and I feel a lot of trust,” Sané recently praised his head coach in “Bild”. Sané now only has to constantly take that feeling onto the pitch. Former Bundesliga professional Patrick Owomoyela sees it that way too.
“It’s all up to him, he just has to want it. He has the potential to become a world star – not just on Instagram, but also on the football field,” said Owomoyela on “Sky” and added: “Man It’s now becoming more and more common that he still makes the meters against the ball for the team and maximum success.” In fact, against Bremen, Sané often dropped to help out on the defensive, making 38 sprints both forwards and backwards – best on the pitch and third-best of all games on Matchday 1.
It seems as if player-whisperer Tuchel found the right words and, above all, the right approach to bring Sané to the maximum. With a view to his contract, this is also necessary. This expires in the summer of 2025. Means: Sané has to deliver the current season, then an extension in the coming year would be a sure-fire success.
The fact that Sané wants to get on with FC Bayern is also proven by the fact that, according to a recent report by “Bild”, he canceled FC Barcelona a few weeks ago. The Catalans are said to have put out feelers. But a change was not an issue for the 27-year-old, which is hardly surprising, since Barca have neither a Kane nor a Tuchel who can kick your butt if the worst comes to the worst.
Chris Rohdenburg