Bayern Munich bulking season: Lothar Matthäus thinks Leroy Sane is pumping iron like Leon Goretzka

Leon Goretzka’s coronavirus quarantine muscle transformation took social media by storm, as the midfielder easily packed on a good five or so pounds of muscle before training resumed at Sabener Strasse for Bayern Munich. By the looks of things with images doing the rounds on social media, other players have followed suit including Marc Roca, Alphonso Davies, and most recently, Leroy Sane, who Lothar Matthäus randomly bumped into in downtown Munich last week, per Tz.

Per the report, when Matthäus saw Sane out and about in Munich, he said that it looked as if the winger had bulked up since the European Championships with Germany. Specifically, he said that Bayern’s number 10 looked “really muscular.” Jokingly, he said, “I think Leroy is doing a Goretzka now.”

In addition to taking a notice to his improved physique, Matthäus was also able to have a brief chat with Sane when they ran into each other. Sane was self-aware that last season with Bayern was underwhelming for him, personally, as well his outings for Die Mannschaft at the Euros. He had recently told Bild that he wants to be far more decisive in the final third, but that he also doesn’t want to just be judged solely on his goals and assists production, or lack thereof.

Matthäus has been particularly critical of Sane in the recent past, so during their brief, impromptu meeting by chance, he wanted to get an idea of how Sane had taken said criticism. “At our meeting, I wanted to know from him how he perceived my criticism. He is very critical of himself and knows that he can do better. He has now coped with the end of the Euros. He knows he played badly. Now he is full of energy,” he explained. Recognize this sort of rejuvenation from Sane thus far from preseason under Julian Nagelsmann, Matthäus surmised that “it may be a year” for Bayern’s number 10.

Photo by Stefan Matzke - sampics/Corbis via Getty Images

Matthäus also specifically highlighted what he thinks Sane needs to improve upon, from his point of view. “He has to take on more responsibility, work more backwards, score more goals and provide assists. He has to perform consistently and, above all, make an appearance in the important games. After all the criticism, he now finally has to give the answer. I hope that we will see a Leroy Sané who now puts one on top,” he stressed.

After starting and playing 75 minutes in Bayern’s Bundesliga opener against Borussia Monchengladbach, Sane will have another chance to get off on the right foot in the midweek, DFL-Supercup clash against Borussia Dortmund.