'I rejected Jurgen Klopp after Pep Guardiola convinced me I could be next Lionel Messi'

Pep Guardiola urged Leroy Sane to emulate Lionel Messi’s style of play after the German star rejected Liverpool in favour of a move to Manchester City. The former Schalke winger, who was highly sought after for his remarkable talent as a youngster, chose to join Guardiola at City in 2016 with a transfer fee of £37 million.

Sane, now showcasing his skills at Bayern Munich, played a pivotal role in City’s historic ‘Centurions’ title-winning campaign in 2017/18. In a revelation made back in 2018, Sane admitted he had the opportunity to be part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool revolution but opted for the Etihad Stadium instead.

Speaking to the Guardian, Sane disclosed: “Yes, I was also talking with them. Jurgen was calling me too, talking to me. That was before I joined City.”

He praised Klopp’s work and character, saying, “He did a good job at [Borussia] Dortmund – I met him when he was there. He’s a good guy, nice guy – honest. He [has] worked well with Liverpool.”

While Klopp missed out on signing Sane, it only fueled the intense rivalry between Liverpool and City, which has become one of the most electrifying contests in Premier League history. Despite initial challenges, Sane quickly adapted to life in Manchester, becoming a formidable force against Premier League defences with his blistering speed and skillful dribbling.

Leroy Sane has candidly spoken about his time learning under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, revealing a particular piece of advice that resonated deeply with him. In an effort to unleash Sane’s potential, Guardiola exhorted him to emulate the playing style – not the unparalleled skill – of Lionel Messi.

Sane recounted: “I needed a little time to settle, to know the Premier League, the people here, how they are and to know the players. I had to find my confidence. Pep told me to play with freedom like [Lionel] Messi, not like Messi – it’s impossible.”

“Be free like Messi, have fun, do things like he wants from a striker like the end of the space [near goal] – take the option to shoot or give an assist.”

This nudge towards creative freedom propelled Sane to great success at Manchester City over three seasons, resulting in numerous assists, goals, and silverware.

Despite swapping England for Germany as he joined Bayern Munich in 2020, it seems that Sane has yet to replicate the scintillating performance levels he once displayed under Guardiola’s tutelage, often featuring off the bench in the current season under the management of Vincent Kompany, his ex-City colleague.

The winger has once again been linked with Liverpool and City, as his contract is set to expire next summer. Manchester United have also shown interest in him.