Sanches ready to stay at Bayern as Boateng returns to Munich

Renato Sanches is content to adhere to Niko Kovac’s instruction by remaining at Bayern Munich, so long as he gets opportunities to play.

Restricted to four Bundesliga starts last season, midfielder Sanches boosted his case for first-team opportunities with a strong showing in the 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the International Champions Cup (ICC).

The Portugal international helped Bayern established superiority during the opening 45 minutes and could take on a more prominent role following the end of James Rodriguez’s two-season loan deal.

Speaking ahead of the Madrid match, Kovac confirmed the club had told Sanches to forget about finding new employers, advice that has been heeded by the player.

“I’m ready to stay,” Sanches told Bild.

“I had good talks with the coach and [club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge]. I think I will stay. Kovac is the boss, he makes the decisions.

“As long as I play, I’m happy.”

RS pic.twitter.com/wYzUIVg28x

— renatosanches (@renatosanches35) July 9, 2019

Bayern have one final ICC fixture to come against AC Milan, though Jerome Boateng will not be involved as he returns to Munich for personal reasons.

The centre-back, another player that seemed headed for the exit towards the end of the 2018-19 season, impressed against LaLiga giants Madrid, keeping Eden Hazard and company goalless until the 84th minute.

Club captain Manuel Neuer welcomed the increasing likelihood of Boateng and Sanches staying in Bavaria.

“We all played well today, Renato as well as Jerome,” goalkeeper Neuer said after seeing off Los Blancos in Houston.

“We know what these players are capable of and we’re of course happy if they stay.”