Newcomers in the form hole: Nagelsmann via Mané and Gravenberch

Sadio Mané was FC Bayern’s king transfer in the summer. For almost 32 million euros, the German record champions got rid of the Senegalese from Liverpool FC. After a rocket launch, the new signing is in a small hole in form before the international break. Similar to Ajax newcomer Ryan Gravenberch, who was expecting more playing time.

Four goals from the first four competitive games: Sadio Mané could not have imagined a better start at Bayern. Nobody was talking anymore about Robert Lewandowski, who was drawn to FC Barcelona, ​​but only about the unpredictable offensive of the German record champions.

Goal drought at Sadio Mané

But a few weeks later, everything is no longer peace, joy and pancakes in the Free State. Mané has been goalless since the 5-0 win in the cup against third division team Viktoria Köln and is often unlucky, as most recently in the victory in the Champions League group game against FC Barcelona. The consequence: Africa’s footballer of the year was substituted after 70 minutes.

FCB coach Julian Nagelsmann defended the superstar at the press conference before the away game at FC Augsburg: “He’s very self-reflective and knows when he played well and when he didn’t play so well. He’ll get back to his best. He has my complete trust and will score and prepare many more goals for us.”

Nagelsmann gives Gravenberch hope

In addition to Sadio Mané, another newcomer is a current problem child. We’re talking about Ryan Gravenberch. The young Dutchman had hoped for more playing time after Leon Goretzka’s absence, but was only second choice behind Marcel Sabitzer. Now Goretzka is back and put in an outstanding performance against FC Barcelona. Goretzka was instrumental in Bayern playing better in the second half.

“He has perhaps played a bit too few games for his abilities, which is also due to the competition. He is a young player who needs time to acclimatize. He is incredibly talented, has a great degree. Defensively he still has a few Take steps. That’s why he plays a little less, “Nagelsmann said at the press conference.

But the FCB coach also gave the 20-year-old hope for more minutes: “Sometimes he quarrels a bit too much for me when I make mistakes. That’s why he always has a second’s thought in counter-pressing where he gets annoyed that the ball is gone. But he’s already developed there. I’m sure he’ll play a lot with us.”

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This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as.