Thomas Tuchel has launched a staunch defence of Sadio Mane and insists his bust-up with Bayern Munich teammate has been settled amicably.
The former Chelsea manager has experienced a whirlwind start to his Bayern tenure, culminating in the dramatic events that followed Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat against Manchester City.
Following a sobering 3-0 loss at the Etihad Stadium, Mane and Sane were involved in a dressing room punch-up which left the latter with a bloodied lip.
Mane has subsequently been suspended by his club for one game and will miss Saturday’s Bundesilga fixture against Hoffenheim.
The incident represents the latest setback for Mane, whose move from Liverpool hasn’t panned out, so far, as anticipated but Tuchel insists the 30-year-old will remain a key part of his plans.
Speaking about the incident that overshadowed their midweek defeat, Tuchel said: ‘That’s settled. A game and a fine are the consequences of what happened.
‘I didn’t see it myself because I was in the coaching room. Of course I immediately spoke to everyone involved, the players and the staff.
‘Because it concerned us and because it was a blatant incident, it was important that we clarify the matter before we start the next training session. We did that yesterday. We have cleared up everything so that we can train positively with each other again.
‘The way both players involved dealt with it, and the way the other players dealt with it, it had a cleansing effect. We had a positive atmosphere yesterday and today.
‘I’m the first one to defend him. 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. It was against the code of conduct, he recognized it and apologised.
‘That’s why he has me with him. It’s important that he was back in training right away, that was also important to the players.
‘It would be so nice that if something happens in the dressing room, it stays there. Then we wouldn’t have to discuss that now. Everyone makes mistakes. Sadio made a mistake. But he – just like Leroy – acted in a very exemplary way. I wish it stayed in the dressing room.’
MORE : Sadio Mane ‘suddenly attacked’ Bayern Munich team-mate Leroy Sane after Manchester City loss
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