Sane must battle to win back place
PEP GUARDIOLA has told Leroy Sane to prove he has the hunger to win back his Manchester City place.
Last season’s PFA Young Player of the Year has yet to start this term, with just 30 minutes of playing time off the bench.
Sane was one of City’s most influential players in their record-breaking title win, but was left out of the squad for the 2-1 win over Newcastle before the international break.
Germany World Cupwinner Toni Kroos claimed Sane must improve his attitude and body language.
Guardiola disputed that, but did warn him to show he is ready to fight for his place, with increased competition from Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva and new signing Riyad Mahrez. “It’s normal after what happened last season that people ask about him,” said Guardiola.
“His body language is the same as last season and he was the best young player in the Premier League.
“Leroy was so important, is so important, and will be so important for the club. There’s no doubt about that.
“He’s a competitive guy. He was so professional last season and had competition as well – because Sterling could play in that position on the left.
“But this season, Bernardo Silva was the first one. He started in incredible condition and deserves to play. Sterling, in the two or three games he played, for example against Arsenal away or the last game here, he was playing good.
“It’s a challenge for the players to keep their level and compete with their mates. It’s the only way to maintain the level we achieved last season.
“It’s not about, ‘I don’t like you any more’ or, ‘I prefer this one or the other one’ .
“When I don’t like a player, at the end of the season I go to the club and say I don’t want to work with that guy if it’s possible and I want to change them.
“That’s not the case. Everybody is here because after three seasons I want to work with them and I think they want to work with us.
“We can’t forget Leroy is 22. He will grow up. The most important thing and the most important issue we have is to help them to grow.”
Guardiola said City would not cash in on Kevin De Bruyne, even for a world record fee. “A journalist asked if we’d sell for £250million and I said no,” he said.