Football
ESPN staff 8y

Bayern Munich midfielder Renato Sanches needs time - Ottmar Hitzfeld

Renato Sanches will need time to settle at Bayern Munich following his summer move from Benfica, former coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has said.

Despite starting three of the opening five Bundesliga matches of the campaign, the 19-year-old has struggled to make an immediate impression.

But Hitzfeld believes the Portugal international, whose move for an initial €35 million was confirmed in May, should be given the chance to get acclimatised to life in the Bundesliga.

"His age will have something to do with his difficult start," he told Sport1. "Let's not forget that he is still only 19.

"In addition to that, he was injured when he arrived at Bayern and he joined for a big transfer fee -- that always leads to high expectations.

"He did not join just any Bundesliga club. He joined Bayern. He will have to get used to the stiff competition for places, and I think it is only normal that he needs a bit of time."

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