‘Decisive’ Leroy Sane earns Julian Nagelsmann’s praise as Germany coach’s controversial challenge reaps rewards from Galatasaray winger

Sane, who moved to the Turkish Super Lig to join champions Galatasaray from Bayern Munich this summer, was off to a slow start in the new league but with time, he has started to adjust to the new set-up and is now slowly regaining his form. In 15 matches across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign, the former City star has scored three goals and has as many assists. 

Speaking to Sky recently, Sane shared about his initial struggles in Turkey, saying: “I had to settle in first. I had an adjustment period, so things didn’t quite go as planned on the pitch at the beginning. I had to get to know my teammates, and they had to get to know me, how to interact on the pitch, how to play together. That took a little while. But now, in the last few games, I’m very happy with my performances and how I’ve played. I want to carry this momentum forward and keep going.”

After an impressive show in the World Cup qualifier on Friday – where Sane provided the assist for Nick Woltemade’s opening goal before feeding Ridle Baku with a pass just outside the box from which the full-back set up the Newcastle star for his second of the night – Nagelsmann told RTL: “He had two good actions that led to two goals. He had a few moments in the first half. He played a good game, had two decisive actions, and that’s what it’s all about in the end.”

Sane, in turn, told the media: “I’m happy that I was able to repay Julian’s trust to some extent. We had very good talks. Julian knows how I tick. That’s normal, that’s football, it’s part of the game. I can’t complain, I can only do my own thing. The World Cup is my big goal.”

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Sane’s starring role comes in response to a public discussion around his role in the team following his decision to leave the Bundesliga for the Super Lig. National team manager Nagelsmann had warned Sane publicly that he needs to be outstanding for Galatasaray to hold on to a place in the squad. 

“If we had six or seven players to choose from in that position, then it would be significantly more difficult for him,” he told reporters. “He knows that there aren’t an unlimited number of opportunities to prove himself at the national team level. I told him that openly. Profile-wise, he has everything we need in that position. That’s why he has this opportunity now. His scoring rate and performances have improved significantly compared to the beginning, both in the Super Lig and in the Champions League. But he still has steps to take to improve even further – both here and at the club.”

Following his warning, Nagelsmann received criticism from several personalities in German football, but the 38-year-old defended himself, saying: “I didn’t do this for fun. It was discussed with him. I know what he’s capable of and I want him to bring what he’s capable of onto the pitch. Leroy knows what is required and he also knows that there are not countless opportunities left to prove himself at the national team level, at least not under my leadership. I didn’t use the phrase ‘last chance’ either. I said that he doesn’t have countless chances anymore. That’s a fact.”

The 2014 World Cup winners will now aim to secure a berth in the flagship competition in North America next year. A win over Slovakia on November 17, with whom they are tied on points, would secure them a direct qualification, although a draw will also suffice as Germany have a better goal difference.