Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller have outlined their support for Leroy Sane after the winger was substituted on and later taken off during Bayern Munich's 2-1 victory away to Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern won 2-1, with Lewandowski scoring both of his side's goals, including a late winner, but much of the post-match discussion focused on Sane.
After entering the fray in the 32nd minute as a replacement for the injured Kingsley Coman, Sane was taken off in the 68th minute, with youngster Jamal Musiala coming on.
Bayern manager Hansi Flick explained after the game that Sane was the only candidate to be taken off and stressed that the 24-year-old wasn't being punished.
As reported by goal, Flick said: 'It wasn't a punishment. I had to make a sub, and the options were either Thomas Muller, Serge Gnabry or Leroy.
'Thomas is indispensable for our system, Serge really got into the game in the second half. So I had to sub Leroy off.
'Ultimately, it's about the success of the team above the individuals. We support Leroy in every way possible.'
Lewandowski stressed that Sane, who has scored five goals and provided three assists in 16 games since joining from Manchester City, should be given time to settle in at Bayern.
'He needs a bit of time,' Lewandowski said. 'Next year I'm sure he'll show his quality. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him - he's a great guy.
'He knows himself that he can benefit from a short break and we will need him going forward.'
Muller, meanwhile, described Sane as a 'top player' and expressed confidence that he will soon be able to make a major impact for Bayern.
'Hansi must have had his reasons,' Muller said.
'Personally, I really enjoy playing with Leroy and I think we had more offensive moves down the right when he came on.
'I don't think it will be that long until we start talking about Leroy in a different way. He is very close to breaking through.
'He shouldn't get frustrated by this but motivated. It doesn't make it any easier that we're struggling a little as a team at the moment.
'The guy is really a top player, he was injured for a long time. He also wants more from himself.
'The team will help him. I'm sure and I totally believe in him. He has qualities that he will hopefully show us in the first game of the new year.'
Bayern's victory means that they are two points ahead of Leverkusen at the top of the Bundesliga.
They are not in league action again until January 3, when they host Mainz.