Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane shared an awkward change as the former Liverpool star replaced his teammate in Wednesday’s Champions League draw against Manchester City.
Mane was returning to action after being suspended by the German side for last week’s Bundesliga game after allegedly hitting Sane following their 3-0 Champions League defeat at the Etihad.
The ex-Liverpool forward was excluded from Bayern’s Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena as punishment alongside a huge fine.
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According to the Mirror, Mane has been grieving the death of his aunt after her passing in Senegal, before the bust-up. Sane is believed to have spoken to his teammate subsequently to underline his desire to move on from it.
Mane was fined €350k for his conduct, with president Herbert Hainer speaking about the decision that: “The fine hurts him – even with his salary.”
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel said: “It was a heavy incident – it was very important that it was cleared before the next training session.”
The former Chelsea boss added: “I’ve known Sadio for many years – he is a top professional. He’s never had a situation like that. He is focused on football, he has my full confidence. Everybody has the right to make a mistake.
“This was too much – he apologised and I believe him. It was important that he stays in training, but he is suspended and he will be fined. I don’t know where the money will go, the club and the player will decide. It is not my highest priority.
“It would be nice if things that happened in the locker room stayed in there. We don’t need situations like that to prove our squad is alive. We don’t tolerate things like that.”
Mane returned to action for Wednesday’s visit of City for the second leg but he did not start the game, as Sane started in an attack including Choupo-Moting and Kingsley Coman. But, the Senegal international replaced the former City forward in the second half.
It was an uneasy moment, where Mane attempted to give him a double high five but Sane – who was irritated from his side trailing on the night and on the verge of elimination from the competition – ignored this, instead just lowly slapping Mane’s hand.
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