Sane determined after Germany snub
NEW YORK: Leroy Sane has thanked Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola for helping him overcome his World Cup 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 Loew’s decision to omit him from the squad for the tournament in Russia.
It was a move which backfired for Loew 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.
Yet with the Euro 2020 qualifiers on the horizon, Sane, who refused to comment on the Mezut Oezil racism scandal which has engulfed German football, believes he will have a chance to resurrect his international career under Guardiola’s guidance.
“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.
“I was disappointed at 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.”