Ottmar Hitzfeld has urged Bayern Munich to be patient with youngster Renato Sanches.
Former Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has defended Renato Sanches following an underwhelming start to life at Allianz Arena and feels the Portugal international needs time to adapt to his new surroundings.
Sanches joined Bayern from Benfica ahead of the 2016-17 campaign, starting three of Bayern's five Bundesliga matches.
But the teenage midfielder has struggled to live up to the high expectations brought about by a hefty price tag.
"His age will have something to do with his difficult start. Let's not forget that he is still only 19 years old," Hitzfeld told Sport1.