Flick explains his strange decision to take off Bayern Munich star

The Bayern Munich boss made a strange call to withdraw a substitute in the club’s top of the table clash with Bayer Leverkusen.

Hansi Flick insisted he had ‘no other option’ than to remove substitute Leroy Sane during Bayern Munich’s 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen.

The former Manchester City winger replaced an injured Kingsley Coman in the 32nd-minute of Saturday’s match, but Flick withdrew him after only 36 minutes for 17-year-old midfielder Jamal Musiala. Joshua Kimmich also replaced Corentin Tolisso as part of a double-substitution.

Leroy Sane was subbed off just 36 minutes after being subbed on. pic.twitter.com/ObBQv8T3yK

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 19, 2020

At the time of Flick’s tactical change, Bayern were tied at 1-1 with Leverkusen after Robert Lewandowski canceled out Patrik Schick’s opener.

“When we make substitutions, we have to do it sensibly,” Flick said as quoted by Goal.

“If you see the second half, Thomas Muller is indispensable, Serge Gnabry improved in the second half, that’s why I substituted Leroy Sane.

“We had to react like that because there was no other option.”

Flick’s decision, though, proved spot on as Kimmich assisted Lewandowski for an injury-time winner in the German’s comeback from injury.

The victory has enabled Bayern to overtake Leverkusen as the new Bundesliga for the winter break. They hold two-point lead over their opponents and RB Leipzig.