Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick wants to see Leroy Sane tighten up his play before he earns a regular spot in the Champions League winners’ starting XI.
Signed from Manchester City in the summer, Sane has played 10 times for the Bavarians but has started only four of those.
That has not stopped him scoring five goals and grabbing three more assists, but standards are high at FCB and Flick wants to see greater consistency from the 24-year-old winger.
“He is still 100 per cent fit,” the coach said when quizzed on Sane’s place on the bench.
“His efficiency is great. But like other players, he unnecessarily lost the ball a couple of times against Salzburg and in some instances, he didn't quite pursue one-on-ones. There are reasons for it, and we talked about that. He will try to do better next time.
“When he comes on the pitch, he creates a certain dynamic in the team, increases it. In the last couple of games, he has always scored after being subbed in. That's what makes him stand out and he has quality.
“It is obvious that he still needs time after a long injury, and he will get that time. He works hard in training.
“We are pleased with him, but it is important that when he starts a game, he gives a 100 per cent. We are working on that.”
Sane was again a replacement on Saturday as Bayern went to Stuttgart and picked up a 3-1 success, despite being far from their best.
When he arrived on the pitch in place of Serge Gnabry, FCB were 2-1 to the good as Kingsley Coman and Robert Lewandoswki had found the net late in the first half.
Sane helped them seal the victory with a late assist for Douglas Costa.
On Tuesday, they travel to Atletico Madrid for a Champions League clash. They do so with the luxury of knowing that they have already won the group with two rounds of fixtures to spare.