LONDON: Manchester City’s Leroy Sane is not living up to his considerable potential and must improve his attitude if he wants to be the best, according to his Germany teammate Toni Kroos.
Sane did not feature for Germany during their disastrous World Cup in Russia, but will make a return to the squad for his nation’s UEFA Nations League tie with France and Sunday’s friendly with Peru.
The call-up comes despite the fact he is yet to start a match for City this season, and was dropped completely for Saturday’s win at Newcastle.
“Sometimes you have the feeling with Leroy’s body language that it’s all the same if we win or lose,” Kroos said.
“He’s a player who has everything you need to be a world-class player but sometimes you have to tell him he has to perform better,” the Real Madrid midfielder added.
Sane, the Professional Footballers’ Association Young Player of the Year last season, scored 10 goals and assisted 15 times in the Premier League-winning campaign.
“What is crystal clear is his quality, his pace, his left foot. If he performs, he’s a real weapon.
“He has the quality, especially for us, but maybe the head coach looked at his performances for the national team and wasn’t happy.
“He was fantastic for City last year but Pep (Guardiola) has the same problem at the moment — he’s trying to get the best out of him,” Kroos added.
City’s Leroy Sane not fulfilling potential, must improve attitude: Toni Kroos
City’s Leroy Sane not fulfilling potential, must improve attitude: Toni Kroos
