When the matchday squad was announced at 16:30 on Saturday 1 September, a number of fans looked around shocked wanting the answers that they couldn’t get from social media and sports apps.
This was all before the rumours started flying around the club.
Pep Guardiola failed to name Leroy Sané in the 18-man squad with initial speculation stating the manager was not happy with the player’s application and attitude in training.
A number of tabloid newspapers, mainly The Sun, are stating that the young German’s future is in the balance following the omission. What a load of rubbish!
Pep went onto explain his decision and play down any talks of a rift.
"“Last game, Phil Foden was not in the squad. I was so sad for Phil, I’m so sad for Leroy now but we have a squad. Sometimes I have to leave [players out]. We have six strikers and I decide to play with two strikers. We have two wingers plus another one on the bench. That’s why we decided this game: don’t be there, try to work hard again and in the next games he will be ready to play.” Pep Guardiola speaking after the victory against Newcastle."
Later in the post-match press conference, Guardiola confirmed that he has been happy with the 22-year-old and has no concerns regarding the player’s attitude in recent weeks. Putting to bed any fall out and exit rumours.
Part of his thinking behind the exclusion must have been the player’s performance when he came on against Wolves last week. Lost the ball consistently and failed to contribute positively as City pressed for a winner.
The German who won the PFA Young Player of the Year has not carried on the form that gained him so many plaudits and praise from people in the world of football. Maybe, being left behind from the World Cup dented his confidence.
The failure to begin a game this season from the first minute may have contributed to the speculation but that is all it is. The winger was not linked with a move away from the Etihad, which normally is started from the player’s agent or representatives, during the summer indicating that he is happy in Manchester.
Should Sané come back from international duty injury free, I’m sure he will be included in the next matchday squad against Fulham, particularly as City’s performance wasn’t too much to write home about.