'I have to find my rhythm' - Leroy Sane reacts to 'worse league' dig from Julian Nagelsmann as Germany coach casts doubt on World Cup hopes

Sane has reacted after being left out of Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The 29-year-old winger, who swapped Bayern Munich for Galatasaray on a free transfer, was omitted as Nagelsmann cited his need to “stand out more” in the Turkish Super Lig, which he described as “a bit worse than the Bundesliga." Sane, who has earned 70 caps since his Germany debut in 2015, admitted he must “find his rhythm” to force his way back into contention. 

Sane’s exclusion highlights the shift in Germany’s selection priorities under Nagelsmann, who is balancing injuries with form and competition level. With Jamal Musiala and Marc-Andre ter Stegen sidelined due to injuries, the coach still chose to leave out Sane, raising questions about his standing in the national team hierarchy after moving to Turkey.

Gala’s lower profile compared to Bayern has inevitably influenced perceptions, and Nagelsmann made it clear that Sane must dominate in his new surroundings to earn his way back. For Germany, the immediate challenge is clear that they must top a qualifying group that includes Slovakia, Northern Ireland and Luxembourg to seal their ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

Despite the disappointment, Sane struck a measured tone when speaking SID, saying: “I just have to keep pushing, find my rhythm, and then the Champions League will start soon. The season is still very long."

He also stressed that there is no rift with his national coach: “Everything is fine. He told me that I will definitely continue to be part of the plans. We have a very good relationship.”

For Bayern, Sane’s summer departure to Gala was one of the most notable exits of the window, leaving the Bundesliga champions lighter in wide attacking depth, but they quickly revatalised it by signing Luiz Diaz from Liverpool. The German, though, must do something special to convince Nagelsmann to take him to the World Cup.