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Mane told he hasn't 'reached his peak yet' as Nagelsmann urges Bayern star to be more 'arrogant'

  • Mane left Liverpool for Bayern in summer
  • Replaced Lewandowski in starting XI
  • Has scored five goals so far

WHAT HAPPENED? Mane joined Bayern from Liverpool in a €41 million (£35.5m/$41m) deal and he's made a modest start to life at Allianz Arena, with Nagelsmann confident that there is plenty more to come from a man that can be guilty of over-thinking in the final third.

WHAT THEY SAID: "Sometimes (he is) maybe too critical. That he thinks a tad too much," Nagelsmann told reporters. "I told him that he could have more self-confidence and more confidence in his abilities as a leader. Of course, we don’t have much time. If everyone starts to see for six months what we can and can’t do, a lot of the games will already be over.

"So, he’s welcome to be even more self-confident and a bit, how shall I say, act positively more arrogant. Too much of it isn’t good either. But I’m not critical of his performance. I don’t think he’s reached his peak yet. I’m looking forward to his peak."

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THE BIGGER PICTURE: Mane has replaced Robert Lewandowski in a central role following the striker's move to Barcelona, and has netted five goals in nine games so far. However, two of those efforts came in a 7-0 win over VfL Bochum, and Bayern have drawn their last three Bundesliga matches.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

Mane Nagelsmann Bayern Munich unveilingGetty Images

Sadio Mane Bayern Munich 2022-23GettySadio Mane Julian Nagelsmann Bayern Munich 2022-23Getty Images

WHAT NEXT FOR BAYERN? Mane will next be in action on Tuesday evening, when Bayern host Barcelona in their second Champions League group game.

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