Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovac confirmed the earlier reports that Renato Sanches was fined this week. However, Sanches was not penalized for his post-game interview, where he made it clear that he wanted to leave. Apparently, the 22-year-old skipped training after the Hertha Berlin game. AZ captured Kovac’s staement on why Sanches was fined:
There was a fine. That is true. It’s not because Renato said something after the game though. It was solely because he did not go through the training drills that took place right after the game. Those who did not play did runs with Bayern fitness coach Holger Broich after the game so they could get a physical stimulus. He (Renato) was already in the locker room. He took a shower and then he went home. That’s why he got the fine.”
Kovac then expanded on the circumstances surrounding the missed training session:
It was a training session that ultimately did not take place. We can’t let that just go unpunished, though. The fact that someone is disappointed is just part of the deal.
As previously reported, Bayern and Lille are currently in talks over Sanches, who could still leave Bayern by the time the transfer window closes. When asked about where Bayern stood in the transfer window, Kovac said:
The transfer window is still open until September 2nd. Until it’s closed, you can never say for sure that it’s done. Sure, there’s some discontent. But that’s good for the players. Everyone wants to play, but at Bayern Munich, competition is always fierce.
In spite of the events surrounding Sanches over the last week or so, Kovac said that he understands the Portuguese youngster’s feelings:
Renato is a great kid. I understand him and I understand how he feels. It’s not that I have no empathy. I was a player and I know what he’s feeling right now. But sometimes players don’t understand the coach’s feelings or thought process. Everyone just sees each other on a surface level. I’m trying my best to treat everyone correctly and it’s not that easy. At the end of the day, Renato is someone who has a very big heart. Even though he came out and expressed his desire to leave, it’s okay.