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The club’s boss speaks for the first time after his two players had a physical confrontation.
Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has defended Sadio Mane as an 'absolute professional' after the forward was suspended for punching Leroy Sane.
Mane and Sane engaged in a bust-up at the Etihad after their Champions League match – which they lost 3-0 on Tuesday – and the former is said to have punched his teammate in the face.
Consequently, the African Cup of Nations winner was suspended for the game against Hoffenheim and fined by the club.
Tuchel is happy that that matter is over now.
"That's settled. A game and a fine are the consequences of what happened," Tuchel is quoted as saying.
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15:50 - 14.04.2023
FOOTBALL Sane asked Bayern Munich not to sack Mane
This came after the two had a physical confrontation in Manchester after Tuesday’s Champions League game.
"The way both players involved dealt with it, the way the other players dealt with it, it had a cleansing effect.
"We had a positive atmosphere yesterday [Thursday] and today [Friday]. I'm here to defend Mane.
"I've known him for a very long time and only know him as an absolute professional. I also know his entourage. He has never been guilty of anything."
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17:40 - 13.04.2023
FOOTBALL Bayern Munich suspend and fine Mane for punching Sane
The Afcon-winning star will not be involved for the Bavarians in the next match.
The former Chelsea manager stressed that Mane is focused after he apologized for his mistakes.
"He is focused on football, he has my full confidence. Everybody has the right to make a mistake," he added.
"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."
The Bavarians will host Manchester City for the quarter-final return leg on Wednesday.
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