Sadio Mane’s performances for Bayern Munich causes debate over his position

Sadio Mane’s performances for Bayern Munich have stirred debate over his position in the team, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Senegalese forward started the season firing on all cylinders after joining the German club in a €40 million move from Liverpool.

He netted in Bayern’s 5-3 win over RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup, and again in the 6-1 rout at Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, he has failed to score since his 53rd-minute strike against Viktoria Koln in the DFB Pokal. He was dropped for the 2-2 draw at home to VfB Stuttgart.

Mane was not brought in as a replacement for Robert Lewandowski as the club admitted they failed to find a quality replacement for the Polish striker during the transfer window.

But the former Liverpool man has been asked to lead the line in a false nine role – one he is somewhat accustomed to, having featured there during his latter days under Jurgen Klopp.

However, his recent performances for the Bundesliga champions have led some to wonder if the 30-year-old is comfortable with the where he has been asked to play.

Bayern have already defended their star signing twice since the debate started, with Julian Nagelsmann showing support when asked at a press conference about Mane’s performance in the 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the Champions League.

“Sadio Mané had to deal with very physical opponents, but he opened spaces for the others,” he said. “It is also important to open paths for the depth of the others.”

Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic also admitted there were games Mane did not perform well but has backed him to regain his lethal form. 

“There were two games that didn’t turn out the way he imagined,” he said. “But Sadio is his biggest critic, and I have no doubt that he will play better again.”

Bayern are preparing to welcome familiar foes Barcelona to the Allianz Arena for their Champions League tie tomorrow night. It could be a chance for Mane to return to his scoring ways.