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“It doesn’t work that way” – Dietmar Hamann explains: Why Sadio Mané flopped at Bayern

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Just one win from the last six games: what's going on at Bayern?

Sadio Mané disappointed after moving from Liverpool to Bayern Munich failed. Dietmar Hamann explains at SPOX what went wrong. The 59-time international also talks about João Cancelo, Joshua Kimmich and the search for a striker.

Mané decided last summer to leave Liverpool FC after six memorable years in which he not only scored 120 goals but also the Champions League, Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, FA Cup and won the Carabao Cup.

Great things were expected of him in Germany, but the 31-year-old has struggled so far. Actually, his freak out after the game against Manchester City made more headlines than his sporting achievements.

Former Bayern star Dietmar Hamann has SPOX and GOALS took a look at what went wrong with Mané at the Allianz Arena. He has also discussed whether João Cancelo could have a future with the reigning champions – as there is speculation of a swap deal with Manchester City that could include Joshua Kimmich. And finally, Bayern’s search for a new centre-forward to succeed Robert Lewandowski is also an issue.

Sadio Mané and Bayern: what went wrong?

Hamann, that SPOX and GOAL in collaboration with Casinos En Ligne was available, answered the question of why Mané has not lived up to expectations at Bayern so far: “If you looked at Liverpool before the World Cup, they were pretty exhausted, an exhausted team. I think it was the same with Mané. He has did well in the first few games, scored a few goals but he didn’t reach the level and wasn’t as dominant in Munich as he had been in Liverpool, then he got injured and missed the World Cup There were discipline issues too – he messed with the coach after he didn’t play more than eight or nine minutes in the second leg against PSG.When you come to a new club you have to earn the respect of your teammates.Without your team-mates you will not succeed.”

Mané signing one of the biggest mistakes?

Hamann added with a view to Mané, who in Munich after a season to forget is again associated with a departure – as a big Bayern flop: “I always thought he was a very modest and friendly person – he does a lot for his home country, builds schools and much more – but he didn’t come across like that in Munich. He came to Munich and maybe thought: ‘I’ve already achieved this and that in Liverpool, qualified for the World Cup, I’m Africa’s footballer of the year and I’m just doing my thing now.” But it doesn’t work like that. Then there was the physical altercation with Sané after the first leg in Manchester. I think the whole team and the whole club lost respect for him with that. His time in Munich is already coming to an end. I thought it would be a great signing because although Munich have produced world-class players in the past, they have never really signed one. Now they got one with Mané, but this transfer is probably one of the biggest mistake in the history of FC Bayern and German football.”

João Cancelo: Slow start

Cancelo is another high-profile signing from Bayern. The versatile Portugal international was loaned out for the second half of the season in January. The 28-year-old has had a rough start in Germany and it remains more than a question whether the €70m purchase option will be exercised. But lately he’s been attracting positive attention.

Hamann said of this deal: “He came and then the coach said he can’t really play in his system. I think he should have talked to the sporting director beforehand. You can’t get a player of his quality and then him don’t let them play. He just has to play, you have to find a place for him. If you don’t have a place for him, don’t get him. Of course the coach is gone now and Cancelo is playing more regularly now. He was the bright spot in the last two or three games. Against Leipzig he was brilliant even if they lost the game. But I think the transfer fee is too high. There is talk of a swap with Kimmich. I think there is a chance that Bayern Munich Letting Kimmich go. I would certainly think about it. But then it’s still a lot of money for a full-back. But he’s been one of the few success stories at Bayern in recent weeks.”

Cancelo and Kimmich: Exchange possible

Hamann thought about whether a swap deal with Cancelo and Kimmich would be beneficial for everyone involved: “One club, probably FC Bayern, wants a few more euros. I don’t know whether City is willing to pay that. “Everyone at Cancelo knows that if Pep Guardiola stays he won’t play for City anymore. His price will go down because of that. Kimmich is a very good player. I’m not his biggest fan because I don’t think he’s a defensive midfielder .But I could see him in the City side because he’s technically very strong and can take on the role that Ilkay Gundogan is playing there right now – because he’s going to retire eventually.I’m not sure if he’ll score as many goals like Gündogan. But City is so dominant and has so much possession that he can play his role at City much better than in Munich.”

Signings are necessary

Bayern may be looking to upgrade in defense and midfield this summer, but that goes for attack as well: a goalscorer seems to be the summer’s priority. There has already been speculation about FCB’s interest in Tottenham star Harry Kane, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Randal Kolo Muani.

Hamann said of Bayern’s plans: “They’ve spent a lot of money in the past. They always say it’s difficult to compete with English clubs – and then Matthijs de Ligt comes for 80 million, Mané for 30 million, they have Lucas Bought Hernández for 80 million. Also they have to pay two coaches at the moment – if Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t take another job they have to keep paying him. I’m not sure how much money they have available. But they need a number nine. “

The hunt for a centre-forward

The former Germany international, who started his career at Bayern, added on the hunt for a centre-forward: “It’s been said that Osimhen is probably too expensive. Then there’s talk of Kolo Muani – he’s probably the logical option for Bayern. Then you have to see who goes. Konrad Laimer comes from Leipzig on a free transfer. They all hope in the club that Manuel Neuer will be back in the summer. Then you have to see how things go in midfield, because you need them. Ryan Gravenberch has hardly played, I don’t think Kimmich is a midfielder and Leon Goretzka has been a huge disappointment this season – he’s fallen back a lot. It’s going to be an interesting summer for sure.”

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