Allianz Arena sporting director Matthias Sammer insisted that Robert Lewandowski’s arrival in the summer is not set to force out the Croatian this month
Matthias Sammer says Mario Mandzukic’s absence from Bayern Munich’s squad was because of his lack of effort in training, not because he is set to leave the club in January.
The Croat, 27, has been linked with the likes of Juventus and Arsenal following Robert Lewandowski signing a deal to leave Borussia Dortmund for the Allianz Arena at the end of the season.
Mandzukic was left out Pep Guardiola’s squad for their 2-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday and Sammer insisted that his poor showing during the winter break – and not an imminent departure due to Lewandowski’s arrival in July – is the reason for his absence.
“Mario has not trained hard enough,” the Roten’s sporting director told Sky. “The coach decided not to put him in the squad.
“He is precious to us, because he works like an animal. But he has not been doing it this time, so his absence is the consequence.
“It has nothing to do with Lewandowski. He is absolutely not leaving in January.”
Bayern are back in action against Stuttgart on January 29 and all eyes will be on whether Mandzukic is in the squad as the January transfer deadline days lingers 48 hours later.