Sandro Wagner has scored a number of braces wearing Bayern colours. The last time he achieved it was in May 2006, a 6-0 home victory over Stuttgarter Kickers in the U-19 Bundesliga. Exactly 11 years and 11 months later Wagner scored his first brace in a competitive match as a Bayern pro. Wagner turned the tide in the home victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach, scoring two goals shortly before half-time in the 5-1 win.
"It was superb. I started at home for the first time, you have more possession and chances as a striker then," the 30-year-old commented on his goals 10 and 11 this season. Wagner has scored seven goals since he returned to Bayern in January. The goals on Saturday meant he has netted in four consecutive matches. He boasts six goals in the last six Bundesliga matches.
It is hardly surprising that Wagner is "by and large pleased" with his and the team's situation. "You have an extremely high quality here, and as a striker you always have situations where you can excel. I knew I can assert myself even if I don't play so often. It doesn't feel like pressure to me, it pushes me. I cope very well with pressure, it gives me wings," said the Munich-born forward. "I'm currently in the form of my life, and I'm back home."
Eye on the World Cup
Jupp Heynckes praised the striker. "He turned in a very good display today," said the Bayern head coach, commenting on Wagner's attitude and professionalism. "He's settled in wonderfully, he's highly motivated in training every day, he works in the performance centre, he tries to improve in every training session," stressed Heynckes, who said Wagner has "made another big leap" since joining from Hoffenheim.
"We wanted to have a man who's there when Robert Lewandowski is tired or injured. He does just that. He has great character. He makes life difficult for his opponents," club president Uli Hoeneß praised the striker, who made his debut for the national team at the age of 29, winning the Confed Cup last summer. Wagner's aim is to take part in the World Cup in Russia.
"I hit the gas today and scored my goals, over the last few days, weeks, months and years. I've earned to go there, and I'll go there, I'm sure of it," commented Wagner. His coach said: "He's a very good player and I hope he'll take part in the World Cup, it would be deserved," said Heynckes. Wagner has "a flawless presence in the team, on the training ground, on the pitch and has bite. That's part of it too. He's a passionate footballer with a bite to him."
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