Nagelsmann says he doesn't know why Sane isn't playing well for Bayern

Julian Nagelsmann

has stated that he has no idea why

's Leroy Sane isn't doing well. Sane made his 40th appearance for Bayern against Augsburg on Saturday, but he was replaced in the 65th minute by

after failing to impact.

The reigning Bundesliga winners went on to win 1-0 courtesy of a late penalty from

, and after the game, Nagelsmann commented on Sane's recent form. Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola believes the 26-year-old winger is going through a period of inconsistency that has been typical of his career thus far, but he remains confident in his skills.

"As a person and as a player, I admire Leroy greatly. Nagelsmann told

GOAL

and

SPOX

, "Everyone knows he has amazing qualities. He is self-aware enough to see that he hasn't been playing well recently. I'm not sure why this is. Throughout his career, he's experienced ups and downs. "I wholeheartedly endorse him."

After being replaced, Sane appeared unhappy and only gave Nagelsmann a half-hearted handshake before heading to the bench, but the German coach won't dwell on his attitude. "I'm not furious," he added, "and we don't have to make a big deal out of it." Since replacing Hansi Flick in the

Allianz Arena

management hot seat last summer, Sane has been a vital component of Nagelsmann's ambitions.

So far this season, the former Manchester City star has a total of 14 goals and 15 assists, but he has now gone five games without a goal contribution in the Bundesliga. Bayern fans will be hoping that Sane can reclaim his best form when they face Villarreal in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday, with the Spanish team-leading 1-0 on aggregate following the first match.

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