Bayern Munich’s Thomas Müller defends Leroy Sane, but knows the winger must “handle it”

There is no way to sugarcoat it, Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane had a bad game against FC Köln.

Sane was pulled at halftime after completing just nine of 16 passes, firing one shot off target, having another attempt blocked, and only winning one of three ground duels. Worse than anything, Sane lost possession 11 times.

Fans at the Allianz Arena heckled Sane and whistled at him to vent their unhappiness at his performance. Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann already took to the media to stick up for the former Manchester City man, but now Thomas Müller wants fans to show more support to the player — even if he also believes Sane must be able to handle the adversity.

“We don’t want that, that’s not nice. I expect more support for us players from the fans. Support is always the right way to go,” Müller told Sport1 (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “On the other hand, you have to be able to handle it to a certain extent. We footballers are under the public eye here. A lot is expected of us, and we are well celebrated when things go well. Therefore, both sides have to deal with it well.”

Müller knows that all players go through slumps or extended periods of struggling, but he also made it clear that the Bayern Munich players will continue to prop up the Germany international.

“Leroy definitely has the absolute support from us in the team and I hope that this can also be carried over to the stands,” Müller said.