SANE’S CURE FOR WORLD CUP HURT
Snubbed German ace will make Prem defences pay
LEROY SANE is ready to take out his World Cup pain on the Premier League’s defences.
Sane was gutted to be snubbed by Germany coach Joachim Loew for the finals in Russia after his dazzling campaign for Manchester City.
The PFA Young Player of the Year says he is still getting over the disappointment of missing out and claims he will use it as motivation for the new campaign.
Sane is one of the few big names on City’s US tour and they will profit from his World Cup axe because Pep Guardiola can unleash him for the start of their title defence.
He looked sharp in training at the Etihad City Football Academy in upstate New York.
Sane, now with braided hair, said: “Yes, of course it gives you motivation.
“It was a shock when I was told. I was disappointed at the time and it was really hard for the first week.
“But it’s just made me want to come back strong. It was a surprise because I thought I’d played quite a good season.
“I was disappointed and I’m still feeling it a bit, but it’s another season for me and I’m looking forward to it.”
Guardiola spoke to Sane after his snub to try and lift him and the former Schalke
from DAVID ANDERSON in New York
star knows that at 22 he will have at least two more opportunities to play at a World Cup.
The winger’s first goal is to win back his place for the Germany’s qualification campaign for Euro 2020.
Lesser men would have taken a secret pleasure from seeing Germany flop but he was as upset as any fan at their shock group stage exit.
He said: “Yes, I watched it – it’s the World Cup! I was disappointed for the guys because some are friends and I’ve played with them. They are all good guys and that’s why I was disappointed for them.
“The World Cup games are special and losing them hurts more than other ones.”
Sane was pleased so many of his team-mates had successful World Cups, even if livewire Benjamin Mendy will be even louder because of France’s triumph.
“A lot of our players went really far in the World Cup,” he said. “I was really happy for them, especially Ben.
“Now they need a break to recover and be fresh for the new season.”
Sane claims he still has room for improvement.
He said: “I’m know I can get better. I’m ready to do it.”