27 May 2023 , 18:15
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Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga title in dramatic fashion on Saturday - all while out-of-favour forward Sadio Mane watched from the bench.
Mane, 30, has been tipped for the exit door after a series of low points in Bavaria such as being suspended by the club for allegedly punching team-mate Leroy Sane during a heated dressing-room row. Struggling for form under both Julian Nagelsmann and Thomas Tuchel, the ex- Liverpool hero has failed to show the kind of sensational form that was often on display over six years at Anfield.
On Saturday, Mane didn't even get the chance to strut his stuff, as Bayern boss Tuchel opted against bringing the 30-year-old on, despite the German giants chasing a goal in the dying embers. After opponent Koln's equaliser in the 81st minute, Bayern had little time find a winner in order to beat Borussia Dortmund - who remarkably only drew 2-2 at home to Mainz - to the title.
When Bayern were pegged back and Dortmund returned to first place in the table, Tuchel turned to his substitutes and brought on teenage duo Jamal Musiala and Mathys Tel instead of Mane. Four minutes after coming on, Musiala came up with a sublime goal to make it 2-1, clinching Bayern's 11th successive German crown, as they pipped a crestfallen Dortmund on goal difference.
Mane was one of only four players who were named in the matchday squad by Tuchel but didn't feature against hosts Koln. For the entirety of a thrilling match, the Senegalese star was joined by backup goalkeeper Sven Ulreich, defender Daley Blind and full-back Josip Stanisic on the bench.
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Although it's been reported that Mane is determined to prove himself at the Allianz Arena, Bayern chiefs are willing to listen to offers. Chelsea were recently linked with interest, while Manchester United had considered a move before the former Southampton ace joined Liverpool in 2016 as Jurgen Klopp's first major signing.
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Sadio Mane was able to lift the Bundesliga title after the match (Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)Mane's departure would likely be one of many in Munich this summer, with CEO Oliver Kahn and sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed to be leaving less than hour after consecutive title No.11 was confirmed. Minutes later, Kahn fired back at his sacking, claiming on Twitter that he was "forbidden" from attending the match in Cologne.
"I would like to celebrate with you, but unfortunately I can't be with you today because the club has forbidden me," the legendary ex-Bayern goalkeeper wrote in a pointed message to fans. "I'm looking forward to next season. We will not only be German champions for the 12th time!
Meanwhile, Salihamizic - largely in charge of Bayern's dealings in the transfer market - said in a statement: "I'm proud to have had sporting responsibility for FC Bayern for almost six years. I would like to thank all the players, the coaches, the entire team behind the team and the staff."