Leroy Sane’s Growth at Galatasaray Amid National Team Pressure

Leroy Sane, who joined Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray from Bayern Munich this summer, experienced a gradual adjustment period in his new environment. Initially, his performance was underwhelming, but he has recently shown signs of regaining his form. In the current 2025-26 campaign, he has played 15 matches across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing three assists.

In a recent interview with Sky, Sane discussed his early challenges in Turkey, stating, “I had to settle in first. The adjustment period meant that my performances on the pitch didn’t go as planned initially. I needed to familiarize myself with my teammates, and they with me, to establish our dynamics on the field. That process took some time, but I’m pleased with my performances in the last few games and aim to maintain this momentum moving forward.”

Following a standout performance in a World Cup qualifier, where Sane assisted Nick Woltemade’s opening goal and later set up Ridle Baku for a second goal, coach Julian Nagelsmann remarked to RTL, “He had two key actions that led to goals. He played well and had significant moments during the match. Ultimately, that’s what matters.”

Sane expressed his satisfaction in repaying Nagelsmann’s trust, commenting, “I’m glad I could justify Julian’s faith in me to some extent. We have had fruitful discussions, and he understands my mindset. That’s a normal part of football. I can only focus on performing well, as my primary goal is the World Cup.”

Sane’s recent performances have sparked discussions regarding his role on the national team following his move from the Bundesliga. Nagelsmann publicly warned Sane that he must excel at Galatasaray to secure a position in the squad. “If we had six or seven players competing for that position, it would be far more challenging for him,” he stated. “He is aware that opportunities to prove himself at the national level are limited. His scoring rate and overall performance have improved significantly, but there remains room for growth, both at the club and in the national team.”

Despite facing criticism from various figures in German football for his comments, Nagelsmann defended his stance, clarifying, “This was not said lightly. I discussed it with him because I know his potential and want him to realize it on the pitch. Leroy understands what is required, and he knows that opportunities to prove himself are not limitless, at least under my management. I did not refer to this as his ‘last chance,’ but rather emphasized the scarcity of opportunities available to him.”

The 2014 World Cup champions now aim to secure qualification for next year’s flagship competition in North America. A victory over Slovakia on November 17, with whom they share equal points, would ensure direct qualification, although a draw would suffice due to Germany’s superior goal difference.