Newly-signed Sandro Wagner is ready to fight for as much playing time as possible at Bayern Munich — and hopes to fulfil his World Cup dream as well. Wagner, 30, returned to Bayern, where he played in his youth and early professional career, from Hoffenheim.
He was signed as a backup for Bundesliga top scorer Robert Lewandowski but told reporters yesterday at a training camp in Doha he won’t be content with a role as reserve alone. “I know what I am facing,” Wagner said. “No player likes to be a sub. But it is obvious that I will be on the bench a few times. My dream scenario is getting my playing time here and boarding the World Cup train.”
Lewandowski has been imperious again this season with 16 goals from 17 games while Wagner has found the net four times in 11 games in a below-par campaign. Munich coach Jupp Heynckes has not fully ruled out playing them both every now and then, and Wagner would not object as he mainly fights Mario Gomez for a place on the World Cup squad. “That would definitely work out. Many teams play with two strikers,” he said.
The veteran Gomez has also had a homecoming in January, back to VfB Stuttgart from Wolfsburg, in order to make to Russia in summer. Wagner has the upper hand for now with frequent nominations since his maiden cap in June, winning the Confederations Cup and scoring five goals in seven caps.
Despite the risk of getting less time to shine than at Hoffenheim. Wagner has no regrets and said the transfer was discussed with national team coach Joachim Loew because “his opinion is important for me.”
Wagner is getting plenty of attention as Bayern started training at Aspire Zone in Doha, even more because Lewandowski is not training with the team owing to knee problems.
He has headed in crosses from national team partner Joashua Kimmich and the Munich-born striker is fully dedicated as he makes his presence felt at his new old club.
“I want to help the team, in attack and defence. It is cool to give it your all all the time... The level and quality is extremely high. But I am familiar with that from the national team,” Wagner said. “It is an absolute dream to be back home at Bayern Munich.
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