Renato Sanches has stated his belief that his hard work and faith in his abilities will see him become a first-team regular in Bayern Munich's starting lineup in time.
The Portuguese wonderkid has found game time hard to come by since he moved to the Allianz Arena last summer, with only seven of his 18 appearances for the Bundesliga giants coming from the start and only completing the full 90 minutes on one occasion this term.
However, Sanches told Portuguese newspaper A Bola (via the Bundesliga's official site) that he understood the reasons behind manager Carlo Ancelotti switching him in and out of the side, and said that he doesn't feel frustrated at the prospect of sitting on the bench under the Italian.
He said: Every player wants to play, that's completely normal. The solution is not to give up but to continue working, all the while knowing that my moment will arrive.
I have faith in my efforts and for that reason I don't feel down. Only 11 can play so I will work until my time comes. I knew this was going to be hard and it's all part of integrating here.�
Bayern saw off stern opposition from the likes of Manchester United to acquire Sanches' signature following Euro 2016, with the German giants scooping up the midfielder for a deal worth around £30m from Benfica.
Renato Sanches | The Future of Bayern
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Sanches has settled well into life in Bavaria, and revealed that the support and relaxed nature of Bayern's first-team squad was the major reason behind his settling in period being easy in comparison to other stars.
He continued: Over time you form friendships. There are people with whom I get along with very well. Those I hang around with include the Spanish and Brazilian players like Thiago Alcantara, Rafinha, Douglas Costa and Javi MartÃnez.
But I also get on with Franck Ribery and David Alaba; they are older and tell me that if I need anything, to just ask. They warmly welcomed me when I came here.�
Bayern currently lead Germany's top flight after recovering from early season setbacks to overtake surprise package RB Leipzig, with Ancelotti fighting off criticism in some quarters to lead his side five points clear of the opposition.
Quizzed on his relationship with the ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid boss, Sanches revealed how much the 56-year-old had helped him bring on his game.
He said: My relationship with Carlo Ancelotti is good, very good. He speaks with me, explains things, tells me what I need to improve. I think I am meeting his expectations and that I'm going to arrive to where he wants me to be.�
At just 19-years-old, Sanches has already picked up three titles - including Portugal's first ever international trophy - in his short first-team career. The centre midfielder added that he has had to grow up a lot since his move to Bayern, but claimed that anybody in their right mind would not turn down the opportunity to ply their trade at one of the biggest clubs in the world.
He added: Do I think I have had to grow up quickly? I think so, yes. But it's also the case that I have had a mature attitude along the way. [Being at Bayern] is going to help me a lot.
Every day I spend here I feel I am a better player. Who wouldn't want to play for Bayern Munich? They are one of the best teams in the world, if not the best,� the midfielder concluded.
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