Sane fired up after World Cup snub
NEW YORK: heartbreak.
The City forward, who was a key member of Guardiola’s Premier League title-winning side last season, was left stunned by Germany coach Joachim Lowe’s decision to omit him from the squad for the tournament in Russia.
It was a move which backfired for Lowe after his side failed to exit the group stages, leaving many to question the wisdom of leaving out a player who scored 10 goals and provided 15 assists in a campaign which ended with him being named as the Football Association young player of the year.
“Yes, Pep had a chat with me after it happened,” said Sane, when asked about his shock omission from Germany’s squad. “We talked about everything and how my mind was and now we are just looking forward.
“I was disappointed but from that moment and now I’m just looking forward. I’m just preparing to be ready for the start of the new season. It gives you motivation. It would be a dream to play in the World Cup.
“When I watched the World Cup I had the feeling that I wanted to be there. But I’m 22 and I still have a lot of years to prepare.
“I was disappointed at the time — it was really hard for the first week. It’s just made me want to come back really strong.
“It was a surprise because I thought I’d played quite a good season. I’m still feeling it (the disappointment) a bit but it’s another season for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
Sane took no joy in seeing his country suffer, despite experiencing such a difficult personal setback.
“I was disappointed for them too because some of them are my friends and I’ve played with them before, ” he added.
“They are all good guys — and that’s why I was disappointed for them. The World Cup has special games and losing them hurts more than the other ones.”
With Sane fresh after a summer break and one of the few first team regulars on duty for City’s pre-season tour of the United States, Guardiola will at least have the German ready for the Premier League season opener at Arsenal on August 12th.
Together with new signing Riyad Mahrez, both will look to feature in the International Champions Cup match with Liverpool in New Jersey today and hand their manager a glimpse of what the future holds.