German press react to Jadon Sancho performance in Champions League final defeat

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 01: Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 Final match between Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid CF at Wembley Stadium on June 01, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Jadon Sancho couldn’t help inspire Borussia Dortmund to European glory on Saturday night after losing the Champions League final against Real Madrid.

The Manchester United forward played the final match of his Borussia Dortmund loan spell, which expires on June 30.

Sancho, 24, was lively in the first half but his influence on the game diminished after the break. Dortmund boss Edin Terzic replaced him after 87 minutes, yet praised the winger in his post-match comments.

German media react to Sancho vs Real Madrid

A report from Ruhr24 highlighted Sancho’s unwillingness to carry out defensive duties throughout the game. They also stated that they want to see the England international back playing for Dortmund again next season.

“Not always consistent enough in defensive behaviour. For example, when he let Vinicius Junior run on counterattack (49th). His unnecessary ball loss made possible the decisive corner for Real (74th). A used [second-hand] say of the man, which is actually supposed to make the difference for BVB. As with Ian Maatsen: Hopefully not his last appearance in black-yellow.”

Sky Germany reported similarly and pointed out how Sancho’s performance nosedived in the second half.

“[Some] danger in the first half with some dribbling and passes, but [his performance] dives in the second half and remains inconspicuous.”

Meanwhile, RAN were more critical in their Sancho review and gave him a rating of 5/10 for his efforts.

“The Englishman falls a little in his homeland compared to his teammates. Hardly any significant actions forward, disappointing despite his work backwards. Grade 5.”

So, to put it bluntly… after all the pre-match hype, Sancho failed to deliver. I still hope Dortmund put their money where their mouth is this summer.

Terzic even predicted that Sancho will play in more Champions League finals.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.