Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel, says the incident between Sadio Mane and Leroy Sane has been “dealt with” after the Senegal star was fined and suspended by the Bundesliga champions.
Tuchel, who said he has known Mane for many years, described the two-time African footballer of the year as “a top professional”.
Mane was suspended for this weekend’s Bundesliga game against Hoffenheim after reportedly having a physical altercation with Sane following Tuesday’s Champions League defeat at Manchester City.
It was learned that Mane struck Sane in the face after the 3-0 loss, leaving the former City forward with a cut lip.
Mane has also reportedly been fined around 500,000 euros ($550,000).
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, April 14, Tuchel said Bayern Munich had “cleared the situation”.
READ ALSO: Bayern Munich suspend Mane over altercation with Sane
He said: “It was a heavy incident – it was very important that it was cleared before the next training session.
“I’ve known Sadio for many years – he is a top professional. He’s never had a situation like that. He is focused on football, he has my full confidence. Everybody has the right to make a mistake.
“This was too much – he apologised and I believe him. It was important that he stays in training, but he is suspended and he will be fined. I don’t know where the money will go, the club and the player will decide. It is not my highest priority.
“It would be nice if things that happened in the locker room stayed in there. We don’t need situations like that to prove our squad is alive. We don’t tolerate things like that,” Tuchel stated.
Mane has struggled for form since returning from a leg injury which forced him to miss last year’s World Cup in Qatar and has not scored since October.
The former Liverpool forward will be available for the quarter-final second leg against Manchester City at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.
Bayern were also knocked out of the German Cup by Freiburg in the quarter-finals and only hold a two-point lead over Borussia Dortmund as they chase an 11th straight Bundesliga title.
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