Sandro Wagner confident German trio will bounce back from Die Mannschaft exile

Sandro Wagner was not included in the match day squad as Tianjin Teda fell in their first Chinese Super League match of the campaign. The towering striker made the move to the Chinese side during the winter transfer window, but his loyalty to Bayern Munich runs deep.

The self-proclaimed “best German striker”, who publicly admonished German National Team Manager Jogi Low upon his exclusion from the World Cup squad, spoke out on the exile of Jerome Boateng, Mats Hummels, and Thomas Muller from Die Mannschaft.

The history between Wagner and Low has certainly been volatile over the past year as both individuals have traded barbs over Low’s decision to exclude Wagner and subsequently led to Wagner’s seemingly premature international retirement.

In a recent interview with Bild, Wagner expressed his disappointment with Low’s decision, but warned that the German trio would be back with a vengeance.

I feel bad for the boys. All three are super players, world champions, and fantastic people - each in his own way! But I’m certain: that will even be positive for Bayern’s season. Mats, Jérôme, and Thomas will now want to show everyone that they are still on the absolutely highest level. This business moreover reinforces the “Mia san Mia” in the whole club.

The Bavarian youth product reiterated that Low’s mistake may serve as a turning point in what has been a trying year for die Rekordmeister.

With this fury and this “more-than-ever” feeling the boys will blow Liverpool away in Munich. And Bayern will be champion [in the Bundesliga] anyway.

Despite Wagner’s short stint in the Bavarian capital, his ego, forceful style of play, and love for the club endeared him to fans, teammates, and the club hierarchy alike. His belief in his compatriots is not misplaced as each has experienced a return to form in the new year.

As the Bavarian Giants begin a pivotal time in their three-pronged challenge for trophies, Bayern Manager Niko Kovac shares Wagner’s optimism.

The boys have totally clear heads after the disappointment. They know what they have to do. I’m convinced that they will lead the way with their performance.

Muller will be missed in the upcoming Champions League tie with Liverpool, but an added chip on the collective shoulder of Die Roten may provide just the edge they are looking for in this titanic clash of European royalty.