Bologna (dpa) – Hansi Flick did not want to answer the direct question about Leroy Sané’s performance. And yet his response on Saturday night in Bologna was telling.
“Those who have known me for a long time know that I don’t take anyone out of here,” said the national coach after the 1-1 draw against European champions Italy. As a trainer, Flick does not like public individual criticism. Basically, Flick had given an answer to Sané’s similarly weak performance as in the last few weeks of the season at FC Bayern Munich by replacing the winger after a meager 59 minutes of play.
Flick had given Sané the trust that the 26-year-old was unable to repay at the start of the Nations League. “For me, the entire team is always responsible. And I don’t take a single player out of it,” said Flick.
“Sure, if things don’t go the way you imagine, there’s a question mark for many,” Flick replied when asked whether some players would have to do more if they wanted to continue to be among the first eleven. Overall, the team’s performance against the European champions did not live up to their own standards.
Nevertheless, Sané is likely to be one of the players who have to worry about another starting eleven in Munich against England. You will react in the coaching team if you think that one or the other will not be 100 percent by Tuesday. “We have a large squad. The squad is very good,” said Flick meaningfully.