Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane ready for Germany’s heavyweight clash against Spain

Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané can watch Germany’s upcoming match against Spain at the EURO 2024 tournament and know that the stakes will be extremely high between the two traditional powerhouses.

“We know that Spain attack high, but that also gives us space. We’ll see how everything else goes on Friday. Spain are playing with a lot of confidence at the moment, but they also know that it’s not going to be easy for them. Two very strong teams are facing each other. If we have the momentum on our side, we can really hurt the Spanish,” Sané said (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “It’s definitely important (for the forwards to come back), it helps our defenders. It’s usually easier to win the ball back if we do that. It’s also a good feeling for the team. For me as a forward, it’s also a good feeling, a kind of security. It also shows that we all want to defend together and not concede a goal.”

“Spain do this job (pressing) very well. Especially when they win the ball back, they immediately try to play forward. With their two fast wingers, they have gained an extra weapon. We know what their strengths are. They are two strong teams, so we can say that this is a potential final. But there are other good teams in the tournament. That is why we should not insist on it too much.”

Sane started the last match against Denmark, but it is not known whether Julian Nagelsmann will recall his number. The decision will probably be between Sane and Florian Wirtz.

“I can say that I don’t know yet if I will be able to play on Friday. It was a good week of training for me. I was really happy to be in the starting eleven (against Denmark). It was good for me to play longer,” Sané said. “Julian communicates very openly and directly. Something can always happen in a tournament, things don’t always go perfectly. The starting eleven can always change. But each of us accepts the coach’s decisions very well. That’s what defines us at the moment.”

“What I bring with me is the runs behind the back line. It creates space in the middle and more movement for the opposition team. Then the opposition will know that they not only have to get forward, but also make sure the ball doesn’t go behind their back line. Jamal does that too, Ilkay and Flo have those strengths too.”

Regardless, Sane is just happy to feel fit enough to play.

“The situation was uncertain. I didn’t know how long my injury would last. But now I’m sitting here and I’m happy that everything went well and that it was enough for the Euros. I feel good, I haven’t had any pain in the last few games. Before, I sometimes had to recover from a match for five or six days.”

Looking for more thoughts and analysis on Germany’s 2-0 win over Denmark? Then we’ve got you covered with our Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show podcast, where we discuss starting selection, a recap of goals and substitutions, and how it all came together. You can get the podcast on Spotify or below: