After receiving criticism in recent weeks, Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann has stated that Sadio Mane has his “complete support.”
Mane started well after joining from Liverpool, scoring three goals in his first three Bundesliga appearances, but he hasn’t scored in the league since, and Bayern has been held to three consecutive draws.
Mane was substituted with 20 minutes remaining in the midweek Champions League victory over Barcelona after failing to attempt a shot or create a chance.
Nagelsmann was asked about the apparent slump ahead of Saturday’s game at Augsburg, but the coach is unconcerned.
“It’s natural to be dissatisfied at first when things aren’t going well,” Nagelsmann explained on Friday. “He does a lot of self-reflection and knows when he’s played well and when he hasn’t.
“He’ll give it his all again. He has my full support and will continue to score and assist for us.”
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch is another recent addition who has struggled to make an impact, with only one start in the DFB-Pokal since joining from Ajax, and Nagelsmann has outlined where the 20-year-old needs to improve.
“He has played too few games for his abilities, which is also due to competition,” Nagelsmann explained. “First and foremost, a basic structure is required, which we had with Sabi [Marcel Sabitzer] and Josh [Kimmich].
“Leon [Goretzka], who performed admirably against Barcelona, has returned. He faces a lot of opposition. He can also play further forward, though the competition is fierce. He is a young player who needs time to adjust.
“He is extremely gifted. He still has a few defensive steps to take. That’s why he’s playing less. The position requires a good balance. He understands that he still needs to work harder defensively.
“He sometimes struggles a little too much with mistakes for me. That’s why, when he’s counter-pressing, he always has a split second where he’s annoyed that the ball has gone. But he has already grown. I’m sure he’ll spend a lot of time with us.”