BUNDES - Sane beefs up his defence, receives standing ovation

Leroy Sane has toughened up his defense after being relentlessly whistled by Bayern Munich fans in August, in order to pacify enraged fans and explain his 45 million euro ($52 million) purchase from Manchester City.

Sane has been outstanding, according to Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann "He's putting all of his effort into the defensive job. He's taken amazing steps to combat the pressure "..

Sane joined Bayern from Manchester City in 2020, but he struggled to make an impression last season as worries about his defense lingered.

It's a far cry from the jeers Sane received during a league match against Cologne in August when unhappy Bayern fans expressed their displeasure after too many of his passes went awry and he did nothing to recover the ball.

"I didn't want to experience that again," Sane later admitted.

"I knew I needed time, but it's not like I sat back. I always work hard on myself and knew it would be tough (at Bayern) because there is a lot of pressure on you here."

Sane received a standing ovation when he was substituted after a good performance - with and without the ball - in a 7-0 thumping of Bochum in September, when he scored a fantastic free-kick.