Feature: Flick, Nagelsmann point the way back to happiness for Sane

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, September 19, 2021
Adjust font size:

By Oliver Trust

BERLIN, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- A joint venture of Germany coach Hansi Flick and Bayern Munich helmsman Julian Nagelsmann has triggered an upswing of in the wavering form of Leroy Sane.

Four weeks ago, the 25-year-old seemed to have arrived at a low point on his career. Booed off the pitch by Bayern Munich fans as rumors grew over his future, the former Manchester City star was facing a break from the German national team and losing his place in the Bayern side.

The flamboyant forward has since made a remarkable return, scoring five goals and delivering six assists in eight games since Flick and Nagelsmann started their respective jobs this summer.

Instead of a break, Flick started the winger in all three of Germany's recent FIFA World Cup qualifiers, while Nagelsmann shifted Sane from the right flank to the left.

The coaches' actions were completed by an intense exchange of ideas to help Sane find the way out of his dead-end situation.

Observers of Germany's national team training saw Flick frequently talking to the "problem child", while Bayern chairman Oliver Kahn demanded that Sane improve, calling this season as a last chance to turn things around.

Switching to the left flank allows the left-footed Sane to use his speed, instead of cutting inside when on the right wing.

Failing to address expectations as Bayern's magic bullet transfer in 2020, Sane seemed to have lost confidence. Flick and Nagelsmann directed the winger back to happiness.

Nagelsmann said Sane has made "an extremely good decision without anyone telling him to do so."

The Bayern coach concluded Sane is going all-in in moments that "have nothing to do with his great talent." The lone-wolf approach has disappeared as Sane turned into a great team player.

"He became aware this would pay off and he is benefitting to a great extent. It puts him in more good situations," Nagelsmann said after Sane's defensive duties have taken on greater importance.

Flick and Nagelsmann seem to have pressed the right button in helping Sane to consider striking out in a new direction.

Former Bayern and Liverpool player Dietmar Hamann assumed that Sane had been treated unfairly and was an easy target for Germany's disappointing Euro 2020 campaign, after Bayern had paid 45 million euros for the winger in 2020.

"He had seven goal involvements in the last five games. He needed 22 games to reach that figure before," stated the 2005 Champions League winner.

In Hamann's view, Sane is happy about his coaches' new confidence. "He can feel it and it seems to help him a lot."

After encouraging performances for Germany, Sane delivered a stunning free-kick when Bayern crushed newly-promoted VfL Bochum 7-0 this weekend, also laying on an assist for teammate Joshua Kimmich to score.

Sane claims to feel more at home on the left wing. "I know Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann have been talking about that. And I am happy to be able to help the team better now. It can go on like this," said the German international. Enditem

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter