'He’s an exceptional player' - Muller insists Germany can get the best out of Sane

Bayern Munich attacker Thomas Muller believes that Germany can get the best out of the “exceptional” Leroy Sane.

The 22-year-old has struggled to perform at Manchester City so far this season, where he has been given only cameos in Pep Guardiola’s side, with the manager, who has since denied the allegations, reportedly unhappy at the player’s attitude.

Additionally, he was surprisingly overlooked for Germany’s World Cup squad in the summer but was recalled for the September fixtures, although he had to pull out of the friendly clash against Peru as his wife was in labour.

He may have received mixed reviews this term, but he has been backed to the hilt by his international team-mates, with Toni Kroos previously branding him “world class”.

Now Muller has offered his support to the forward.

“He’s an exceptional player with the type of ability that only a few can bring,” he told Sport1. “I think he’s now mature enough and I trust him a lot going forward.

“We have to help him produce his performances in the national team. Everyone’s required to do so, not only Leroy.”

Looking back to his club, Muller has vowed to use the disappointment of an early World Cup exit in the summer as fuel for Bayern to push towards the Champions League title.

“The World Cup and the unlucky loss against Real Madrid [in the competition last season] give us additional impetus and energy,” he said. “We know we had the potential to win the title, so we have the anger in our stomachs for the Champions League this season, as well as Niko Kovac, a young and ambitious coach.”

Indeed, that 4-3 semi-final loss to Madrid last term, in which they held a 1-0 lead in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, remains a particular regret.

“That alone shows what’s been possible in the last two years,” he added. “We’ve never been far away from the big titles. Hopefully we’ll have a full squad available this season from March to May.”

Bayern tackle Benfica in the Champions League next week, while they are also in a group with AEK and Ajax.