From Liverpool to Bayern Munich, Sadio Mane has been known as a star footballer with impressive skills and game-changing abilities. However, Sadio Mane at Bayern Munich has been, to put it mildly, unsatisfactory. Mane’s journey to Bayern began in June 2022, when the club signed him from Liverpool for 35 million Pounds.
At first, the African footballer of the year appeared to be settling in nicely at his new club, scoring vital goals and providing assists for his teammates. Then, in November 2022, Sadio Mane suffered an injury to the head of his right fibula 20 minutes into Bayern’s 6-1 win over Werder Bremen. The withdrawal of Mane less than two weeks before the World Cup began in Qatar was a big source of concern for Senegal – and supporters around the world. He is his country’s talismanic player, and he was instrumental in their Africa Cup of Nations victory earlier last year.
Speaking after the match, the then Bayern Munich coach, Julian Nagelsmann said of Mane: “I didn’t see him after the game, I hope it’s not a big injury. But I don’t know at the moment. We’ll see tomorrow and then give an update.”
Mane Returns From Injury
After a successful operation to repair a tendon in the head of his right fibula, the 30-year-old began strength and conditioning training over the Christmas break and rejoined his teammates for full training on February 19. “It’s fantastic, training has been going really well. I’m delighted to be back with the team,” Mane told Bayern’s official website.
“Football’s my life, I’ve missed it. I’m looking forward to the fans, the atmosphere, scoring goals, and, at the end, winning!”
After missing three months due to injury, Sadio Mane made his long-awaited return as a substitute in Bayern Munich’s 3-0 triumph over Union Berlin. Mane looked slick throughout his 25 minutes on the pitch. If teammate Thomas Müller had converted the Senegalese forward’s selfless ball in the 71st minute, the multiple-trophy winner might have had an assist to show for his comeback.
However, Mane has not been at his best lately, displaying only a few hints of his class in the short minutes he has been given. His difficult season with Bayern Munich continued on Tuesday with a 3-0 loss against Manchester City, as they face elimination from the quarter-final stage of the Champions League for the third time in a row. In his 21 minutes on the pitch, the former Liverpool winger only touched the ball six times.
He failed to record a shot on goal, a critical pass, or a dribble; there were also no tackles, interceptions, blocks, or clearances. Only six passes were attempted, five of which were successful.
Bayern Munich Suspend and Fine Mane for Punching Team-mate
Bayern Munich has now suspended Mane after he punched teammate Leroy Sane in the face during their loss to Manchester City. Mane will also be fined and will not be available for Bayern’s home Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim on Saturday. A statement from Bayern read: “Sadio Mane, 31, will not be in the FC Bayern squad for the home game against 1899 Hoffenheim next Saturday. The reason is Mane’s misconduct after FC Bayern’s Champions League game at Manchester City. In addition, Mane will receive a fine.”
Bayern Munich authorities had met on Wednesday to examine various consequences for Mane, and Sky Germany reports that among the sanctions proposed were a fine, suspension, and perhaps a summer sale.
Sadio Mane’s debut season at Bayern Munich has been rough, despite his 11 goals and five assists in 32 games, as well as the major leg injury that has limited his consistency. The 31-year-old has now gone 12 games without scoring, with two assists, and he has only played the full 90 minutes once in that span.
Why Has Sadio Mane at Bayern Munich Not Gone as Planned Yet?
Numerous speculations exist as to why Mane has underperformed at Bayern Munich. Some claim that the change in playing style has been tough for him to adjust to, while others point to challenges off the pitch. However, it would be entirely unfair to single out his dip in form when the entire Bayern Munich team hasn’t been particularly impressive this season. Their most recent 3-0 loss to Manchester City demonstrates this.
What remains to be seen is what can be done to assist Mane in regaining his form. Some believe he requires a new club that plays to his strengths, as Liverpool did. Others say he needs to work harder in training to regain his form.
Whatever the cause of Mane’s struggles, there is no doubt that despite his dip in form, Mane remains a world-class player. He possesses the talent and ability to reclaim his place as one of the world’s finest players. He just needs to find his form again.
The African Player of The Year may be a star on the wane, but he is not finished yet. Sadio Mane is a phoenix waiting to rise again.