19 April 2023 , 20:51
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Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane shared an awkward change as the former Liverpool forward replaced his teammate in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Manchester City.
Mane, 31, was returning to action after being suspended by the German champions for last weekend’s Bundesliga action after allegedly hitting Sane following their 3-0 Champions League defeat at the Etihad last Tuesday. The former Liverpool forward was excluded from Bayern's Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim at the Allianz Arena as punishment alongside a hefty fine.
Mirror Football exclusively revealed last week that Mane has been grieving the death of his aunt following her passing in Senegal, prior to the bust-up. Sane is said 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 saying of the decision that: "The fine hurts him - even with his salary." Boss Thomas Tuchel underlined: "It was a heavy incident - it was very important that it was cleared before the next training session."
The former Chelsea coach 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.
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"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.
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"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 was back in action for Wednesday’s visit of City for the second leg but he was not included from the start, as Sane started in an attack including Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Kingsley Coman. However, the Senegal international did replace the former City forward in the second half.
It was an uneasy moment, where Mane attempted to give his teammate a double high five but Sane – who was clearly irritated from his side trailing on the night and on the verge of elimination from the competition – ignored this, instead just lowly slapping the incoming forward’s hand.
Mane joined Bayern Munich in a £35.1million deal from the Reds last summer. The experienced forward pulled the curtain down on six trophy-laden seasons at Anfield after making it clear he wanted a new challenge, but it has not gone to plan.
The Senegalese star hit 120 goals for Liverpool in 269 appearances and collected six major honours during his time in Jurgen Klopp’s side, whose form has nosedived in the first season without the former Southampton forward in their ranks.
Yet for Mane, it has been a transition away from the club. He has found the net just six times in the Bundesliga this campaign and has struggled with both fitness and form in recent months. That form, coupled with this unsavoury incident, led to suggestions that he may be leaving the club just a year after his arrival.