Bayern Munich head coach Thomas Tuchel has, on Friday, spoken publicly regarding the recent controversy surrounding star attacker Sadio Mane.
The name of Senegalese international Mane, of course, has taken its place front and centre in the headlines across the week to date.
This comes owing to his actions on the back of Bayern’s Champions League quarter-final first-leg defeat at the hands of Manchester City.
After his side were put to the sword in concerning fashion by three goals to nil, Mane is understood to have become embroiled in a heated argument with teammate Leroy Sane, which ultimately culminated in the former Liverpool standout striking his fellow attacker in the face.
Bayern, in turn, swiftly punished their summer addition for his actions, suspending him for the club’s weekend meeting with Hoffenheim, as well as slapping Mane with a fine.
Bayern confirm Sadio Mané will not be in the squad for Saturday’s game against Hoffenheim.
Statement from Bayern: “The reason is Mané’s misconduct after FC Bayern’s Champions League match at Manchester City.” pic.twitter.com/2skHBKNa4B
— 433 (@433) April 13, 2023
Speaking to the awaiting media on Friday, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his gifted frontman’s infraction was put to the aforementioned Thomas Tuchel.
Tuchel: “I’m here to defend Mané. I’ve known him for a very long time and only know him as an absolute professional. I also know his entourage. He has never been guilty of anything”. 🔴 #Mané
“It was against the code of conduct, he recognized it and apologized”, via @iMiaSanMia. pic.twitter.com/Zhh6bPgV2B
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 14, 2023
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