Sane warns Bayern to stay focused after narrow victory over St. Pauli

Bayern Munich’s two-goal hero Leroy Sane urged his team-mates to remain focused after edging past lowly St. Pauli to move six points clear at the Bundesliga summit.

Sane netted a second-half brace at the Allianz Arena after Harry Kane saw his 17th-minute opener cancelled out by Elias Saad, before Lars Ritzka scored late for St. Pauli.

Vincent Kompany’s side were forced to play the final few minutes with a man less after Hiroki Ito picked up an injury, having already made all of their substitutions.

Though Bayern dominated the match metrics, accumulating an expected goals (xG) total of 3.53 from their 19 shots, Sane acknowledged his team must improve going forward.

“It was a bit tight towards the end because we were reduced to ten men. Taken altogether, it was a very good display after an international break,” Sane said.

“We’re all glad we took the three points at home. We must give it 100 percent in every match and win our games.

“I think it helps with our rhythm. We know we must be focused and mustn’t squander points.”

Bayern are back in action this Friday against Augsburg before taking on Inter in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final clash in Munich.

Kompany, meanwhile, was pleased with his side’s display, though he did concede that Bayern allowed their opponents to make things a little bit uncomfortable in the first half.

Jackson Irvine had rattled the crossbar just before Kane opened the scoring, with Eric Smith and Danel Sinani also going close in the opening exchanges.

“St. Pauli have been well-organised throughout the entire season. They concede few goals and allow few chances,” Kompany added.

“In the first half, we allowed them a lot, but in the second half in particular we created good chances.

“Taken altogether, I’m satisfied with the result and our performance. But Hiroki Ito’s injury dampens the result of course.”

Bayern have now won nine of their last 10 competitive games against St. Pauli, only losing to them during this period in February 2002.