Bayern did their job and defeated Koln, but it wasn’t as convincing a win as their fans would have liked. Despite racing into a 2-0 lead, the Bavarians allowed the visitors to score two quick second-half goals and level the scoreline. Although Serge Gnabry did find a winner to spare Bayern’s blushes, around 20,000 home fans, annoyed by a sub-par Leroy Sane display, went on to boo the former Manchester City winger.Sane’s coach, Bayern’s sporting director and teammates were quick to condemn the fans for taking their frustration out on one of their own players.Bayern surrender a two-goal lead at home but survive to claim a late winner against KolnBayern’s right-back Joshua Kimmich, who signed a new contract to remain with the club until 2025, told the press that the abuse wasn’t deserved.”What happened during our game with Koln was unfortunate but also very rude. The bitterness directed towards Leroy wasn’t fair, especially after all that we’ve achieved in the past couple of years. We won all the titles and were looking forward to finally sharing them with the fans there in the stands to watch us and support us. But the booing wasn’t okay, and it wasn’t justified.”Joshua Kimmich and Hasan Salihamidzic (©AFP)Hasan Salihamidzic, the club’s sporting director, who also played for Bayern between 1998 and 2007, said that the players should always have the fans’ backing – no matter what.”Sane’s performance wasn’t what any of us wanted. Nevertheless, we always expect our players to be supported by the fans. The spectators can be dissatisfied if we don’t play well. But we are a unit, a team, and we cannot let an individual whistle in the Allianz Arena. That doesn’t work, and we don’t want to. Our fans have to support our players.”Saturday, 19.30: (1.18) Bayern (7.75) Hertha (13.0)The 25-year-old Germany international managed just ten goals in 44 appearances for Bayern last season. And his turmoil with the Bundesliga champions hit a new low at the weekend.In a wretched 45 minutes, Sane completed just nine of 16 passes and lost possession a startling 11 times. He was met by jeers and boos from his supporters, and the whistles became even louder when he gave away the ball yet again three minutes before half-time.Thomas Müller on Leroy Sané being whistled: “We don’t want that, that’s not nice. I expect more support for us players from the fans. Support is always the right way to go” [@SPORT1] pic.twitter.com/AOJvffxhkA— Bayern & Germany (@iMiaSanMia) August 23, 2021 Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann took matters into his own hands by hauling Sane off at the break. And when the stadium announcer confirmed his substitution, Bayern fans greeted his departure with cheers and applause.It’s a testing time for Leroy Sane. One of Nagelsmann’s most urgent tasks will be to rehabilitate the speedy attacker and get the fans off his back.
