Champions League: Hymns to Sané and “warm” messages to Lewandowski

After Bayern’s next top start on their favorite Champions League stage, everything in the good-humored Munich travel group revolved around two personnel issues: the still unfathomable noble kicker Leroy Sané – and Robert Lewandowski.

In Barcelona’s Camp Nou, around 1000 kilometers from Milan, the world footballer won the shooting competition on the first day of Group C in a 5-1 Barça win over lightweight Viktoria Pilsen with his hat-trick. But the mature 2: 0 (1: 0) of the Munich specialists against Inter Milan had more significance and made you want to see a lot more in Europe.

Sané took over the job of difference player

The first messages of greeting were sent to “Mr. Lewangoalski” from the seething Giuseppe Meazza Stadium. “We’re really looking forward to the duel, but not just because of Robert,” said Thomas Müller. “Especially after the start, it’s a summit meeting in the group.” Müller turns 33 on September 13 and doesn’t want Lewandowski to play the party fright at the big reunion on his birthday in the Allianz Arena. “Hard, but warm”, you will meet the ex-colleague on the pitch.

Against a matte Inter, national player Sané took over the job of difference player in front of national coach Hansi Flick, which Lewandowski had done for years in the Munich ensemble. The 26-year-old impressed in Sadio Mané’s realigned Munich offensive without a classic target player in the penalty area with his enthusiasm for the game, his pace, his feel for the ball and above all as a one-and-a-half goal scorer. Consequently, the curly head was named player of the game by UEFA.

“I just want to play a good game”

While everyone around him sang Sané anthems, the sporty imperfect limited himself to a few quiet TV tones after his good performance. “I just want to play a good game, have a good feeling and leave the field happy,” said the man, who can do so much as a footballer, but who only uses this skill in doses rather than in a continuous loop. When Sané shuffled through the basement corridors of the stadium after the shower with a stoic look at his smartphone and hidden under his hoody, he didn’t feel like asking any more questions and answers. “Not today,” he told reporters.

But others talked about him at length. “It’s fun to watch Leroy,” enthused sports director Hasan Salihamidzic and gave the gifted man some advice: “He should just keep going. If he feels like it and puts his qualities on the pitch, he can become one of the best players in Europe. “

Sané’s ball acceptance and entrainment at 1-0 after a sugar pass from Joshua Kimmich, who played consistently well in the World Cup season, were brilliant. “World class” was the assessment of the goal by Leon Goretzka, who was still watching from the bench. Inter captain Danilo D’Ambrosio’s own goal forced Sané after another big move and a double one-two with Kingsley Coman.

“Leroy had two great actions that led to goals,” praised coach Julian Nagelsmann. Sané’s “greatest quality” is “speeding up the game when the opponent steps out, then start briefly”.

“Leroy is a key player for special moments, who can also decide games, especially in the condition he is in right now. He is a very important man for us,” said captain Manuel Neuer of the sometimes unfathomable Sané, who also traveled with the 5000 Bayern fans celebrated when he was substituted. “Leroy had very good actions. He was very agile, that’s what we need from him,” said Müller: “Then he also has a smile on his face. It was a nice evening for him – and for us. “

“We’re all looking forward to Barcelona and Lewy”

The Bavarians continued two great series in the premier class: It was their 19th opening win in a row. They are now unbeaten in 29 group games. And they showed in Milan that they have a lot planned for this season. “I think everyone is aware that we have to be reckoned with,” said Goretzka. Long-term rivals FC Barcelona and Lewandwoski should also experience this next week.

“We’re all looking forward to Barcelona and Lewy. We know him and what qualities he has,” said national goalkeeper Neuer. Salihamidzic commented on Lewandowski’s hat-trick against Pilsen: “Congratulations!” Barça coach Xavi is enthusiastic about the new assembly line goalscorer: “Robert is insatiable!”

Goretzka, meanwhile, sent a snappy message to Catalonia shortly after midnight: “Robert Lewandowski is a world-class striker, no question about it. We’re all happy to see him again, but he can save himself the goals in the game.”