“Would go for his throat!” Leroy Sane faces fierce criticism at Galatasaray

Leroy Sane has come under criticism following his performance in Galatasaray’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to FC Barcelona.

Fans and TV pundits took aim at the German, who only came on with the score at 3-1. Sane misplaced several passes and unhappy supporters booed him. Galatasaray had taken a surprise first-half lead against the Catalans, despite the visitors already controlling the game. The Turkish side then had a goal ruled out that would have made it 2-0. After that, Barca turned the match around to win convincingly.

Asked afterwards about the boos directed at Sane, Gala coach Okan Buruk replied: "He only came on after it was 3-1. That was the phase when the team collapsed. This game should not be used as a yardstick to assess his performance."

Cimbom fans had been unhappy with Sane's performances last season and this season too. After eight competitive appearances this season, the winger is still waiting for his first goal involvement. That was probably the main reason for their frustration, rather than Sane's failure to turn the game back in Gala's favour.

"Leroy Sane should be ashamed! Yunus Akgün plays, Sane sits on the bench. A world-class player from Germany on the bench – how can that be?" asked former player Sinan Engin on TV. Engin understood the boos aimed at the attacking player: "When you lose at home to another team, the fans react strongly," he added.

What is Leroy Sane being accused of at Galatasaray?

Former international Tümer Metin also accused the German of lacking enthusiasm and effort: "If I were Sane's team-mate, I would grab him by the throat in the dressing room and ask: 'Do you actually want to help us? I'm completely exhausted from all the running!'" he said.

In the Champions League, Galatasaray have made a poor start. Before the 4-1 defeat against Barcelona, Okan Buruk's team had already lost 3-1 away to Sporting in Lisbon on the first league matchday.