Renato Sanches Is A Huge Talent – Jupp Heynckes

Jupp Heynckes has refuted speculation that Bayern Munich are about to end Renato Sanches’ disappointing loan spell at Swansea.

Heynckes said: “I have spoken to Hasan Salihamidzic [sporting director] in recent weeks and told him that we need to take care of our loan players — [Serge] Gnabry at Hoffenheim and Sanches at Swansea.

“I expect he [Salihamidzic] and [Sanches] have telephoned, but we have not spoken at all about bringing him back to Bayern — so I am surprised by this [speculation] somewhat.”

Sanches’ switch to Swansea meant a reunion with Ancelotti’s former Bayern assistant, Paul Clement, who worked with the midfielder during his first six months in Bavaria.

Heynckes added: “I haven’t wasted any time thinking about it. We are very well catered for with many great players in midfield. Moreover, bear in mind too — if we were to do this — would Sanches get any playing time?

“With the rotation that I carry out every midfield player is involved — that is extremely important at Bayern as they are all internationals. We do not have the same need for a midfielder like we do for another player in a different position.”

Heynckes has not written off Sanches completely but hinted that he felt his rise to the top had come too quickly.

“I know all about Portuguese football from my time at Benfica and I know how Benfica develops younger players,” he said. “I also followed Sanches’ career a little even before Euro 2016 and knew that he had only played very few games at Benfica that season, only 15 or 16, but still managed to make the squad for the Euros — before signing for Bayern.

“I have to say Renato is a huge talent, but talent is just the one thing. Talents also need the discipline to work daily on their game in order to get integrated and become a team player. Young players also need support and firm leadership — with some strong words from time to time.”