Bayern Munich’s Sadio Mane reportedly punches Leroy Sane after Man City defeat
Bayern Munich’s Champions League defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night resulted in a heated confrontation between teammates Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane, according to reports. Mane allegedly punched Sane in the face after taking issue with the German’s attitude towards him during the match.
Man City boss Pep Guardiola’s reunion with his former club, Bayern, was an emotional affair, with Sane making his return to the Etihad and Mane looking to establish himself with the German giants. However, the visitors suffered a disappointing defeat, with goals from Rodri, Bernardo Silva, and Erling Haaland securing a comfortable lead for Bayern ahead of next week’s quarter-final second leg.
Sane starts for Bayern, Mane on the bench
Sane was selected to start by Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel and had some eye-catching moments throughout the game, despite the unfavorable outcome. He tested City goalkeeper Ederson on several occasions, while Mane was left to watch from the bench for the majority of the match.
The incident between the two players is said to have begun when Mane made a run behind the City defense instead of coming short, prompting a reaction from the pumped-up Sane. The pair reportedly exchanged words during the game, and tensions continued to rise in the dressing room after the final whistle.
According to Bild, Mane took issue with Sane’s behavior and gave him a piece of his mind after the game, eventually leading to a physical altercation where Mane punched Sane on the lip. The report suggests that the argument between the two players was loud and heated, with the dressing room feeling the brunt of the confrontation.
Mane aims to revitalize career with Bayern
Mane’s move to Bayern was viewed as a chance for the former Liverpool player to revitalize his career, but he has found it difficult to establish himself as a regular starter under Tuchel. The Senegalese international has struggled for form and fitness, and his outburst against Sane could lead to disciplinary action from the club.
The incident between Mane and Sane is just the latest in a series of high-profile confrontations between teammates in football. While it is common for tensions to run high in the heat of the moment, physical altercations are never acceptable and can have serious consequences for the players involved. It remains to be seen what the fallout from this incident will be for Mane, Sane, and Bayern Munich.
