Kroos: Sane's poor body language suggests he doesn't care

Leroy Sane's demeanor gives off the impression he doesn't care whether he wins or loses, according to international teammate Toni Kroos.

Sane has yet to start a match for Manchester City this season, and Kroos has an idea why.

"He has to improve his body language. He's a player who has everything you need to be a world-class player, but sometimes you have to tell him he has to perform better," Kroos told reporters Wednesday, including the Guardian's Nick Ames. "He was fantastic for City last year but Pep (Guardiola) has the same problem at the moment. He's trying to get the best out of him so he can perform better."

Despite reports that Guardiola lambasted Sane's effort in training, the City manager reassured the 22-year-old he still has a role to play in the team's title defense.

And the left-winger - who's back with the German national team after missing out on the World Cup - now has an opportunity to redeem himself in the Nations League. Germany hosts France on Thursday in the first of its matches in the new UEFA competition, with a friendly against Peru to follow on Sunday.

"If he performs, he's a real weapon, honestly," Kroos added. "He has the quality, especially for us, but maybe the head coach looked at his performances for the national team and wasn't happy."