Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel has given a blunt review about former Liverpool star, Sadio Mane in a new interview.
Despite helping his side to Bundesliga glory, the Senegalese footballer’s season was derailed in November when he suffered a leg injury against Werder Bremen. He later required surgery on his right fibula, ruling him out for three months and forcing him to miss the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However, after struggling to regain form, his future at the German giants was thrown into doubt in April when he was suspended and fined by the club following an incident with Leroy Sane. The 31-year-old allegedly punched his teammate in the dressing room after a 3–0 Champions League quarter-final loss to Man City. He finished the season with just 12 goals in all competitions, his lowest return since playing in Ligue 2 with Metz back in 2011/12.
Tuchel did not hold back when asked about Sadio Mane during an interview on Saturday, July 15. He said;
“Basically, Sadio had an unsatisfactory season and fell short of expectations. The competitive situation is extremely high for him with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry, we have a constellation which makes it very difficult for Sadio. The player knows that too, he knows my opinion and the opinion of the club.”
Tuchel also stated that the door is not closed on the forward, or any of his other forward players. He added;
“Let’s see. Crazy things have happened in football.Ultimately, the starting position is not easy. Time will make us a little smarter.”
What could ultimately define Mane’s future is Bayern’s pursuit of Spurs striker Harry Kane. In a new twist, club honorary President Uli Hoeness has claimed that Kane is ready to leave for Germany, and the deal will be completed if he stays true to his word.
German media had reported in recent weeks that Bayern would be willing to sell Mane with the funds from his sale being added to their budget to land Kane.