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Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane had just come out an up-and-down 2020/2021 season and a disappointing European Championships under Joachim Löw, while also being in the midst of an uneven start to this campaign. Things were not going well for the talented winger.
At that point, Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann knew they needed to do something to get Sane going.
In a report from Sport Bild (as captured by Twitter account @iMiaSanMia), the two coaches worked together to provide a support system and devise a plan to get Sane back into form.
The booing during Bayern Munich’s win over FC Köln represented a low-point for Sane and both coaches knew they needed a plan. After the match, Flick and Nagelsmann had a long conversation on how to help Sane. Flick also called Sane and expressed support — even going as far as telling him that he is counting on the former Manchester City man in the future.
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Now, Sane is said to feel better at Bayern Munich and is happier. Moreover, Sane’s focus might be more lasered in, as he has — allegedly — cut out living a celebrity-style life in favor of a quieter, more homebound approach.
While Flick largely came in after the booing episode, Nagelsmann sought to help Sane early in his tenure. The 34-year-old started trying to bond with Sane by joking and laughing with the player to build a rapport. Later, Nagelsmann reportedly told Sane: “These are your strengths, and this is how you get your game back!”
While many credit Nagelsmann for moving Sane to the left-wing, it was a change in attacking style that really helped the Germany international get going. Nagelsmann advised Sane to float more offensively and operate centrally at times to keep the defense unsettled, rather than just planting his heels on the sideline and looking for one-vs-one opportunities.
Subsequently, Flick gave Sane a similar role with the national team, which seemed to work wonders during the last international break.
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