Bayern Munich are pinning their hopes on England captain Harry Kane to return a stuttering group recent off their worst season in a decade to the European elite. Bayern’s eleventh straight Bundesliga title didn’t paper over the cracks of a facet which is but to click on for the reason that arrival of coach Thomas Tuchel in March. Final week’s signing of Kane for 100 million euros ($109 million) from Premier League facet Tottenham broke the German membership’s switch report.

The deal additionally broke a long-standing promise from former boss Uli Hoeness that the membership “would not purchase a participant for 100 million even when I had the cash”.

However whether or not the 30-year-old Kane, who arrives after a profitable however trophyless profession in north London, can really be Bayern’s saviour stays to be seen.

– ‘A foul begin’ –

Bayern limped to the title in 2022-23, profitable on aim distinction after Borussia Dortmund’s last-day collapse to attract at house with mid-table Mainz.

Bayern’s factors whole of 71 was their lowest since 2010-11, when the facet completed third below caretaker coach Andries Jonker.

The shock firing of Julian Nagelsmann for Tuchel in March didn’t have the specified impact, with Bayern knocked out of the German Cup and the Champions League quickly afterwards.

Former Bayern sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic repeatedly dismissed criticisms of the group below Tuchel, saying the facet wanted time to get used to the Champions League-winning coach’s strategies.

In late Could, simply days earlier than he himself was sacked, Salihamidzic advised Sky: “Thomas Tuchel simply wants the pre-season with the group, then all the pieces will likely be higher.”

Early proof nevertheless suggests Bayern haven’t solved their issues from final season.

On Saturday, Bayern had been overwhelmed 3-0 at house by RB Leipzig within the German Tremendous Cup with Kane making little impression, making his debut as a late substitute.

Identical to final season, Bayern lacked fluency and coherence, with a “sorry” Tuchel saying Kane “in all probability thinks we have not been coaching right here for weeks”.

Tuchel blamed his facet’s “dangerous begin” to the match and mentioned he noticed a “large discrepancy” between what his group produced at coaching and what they confirmed on the pitch.

Tuchel mentioned he was “frightened”, telling reporters he has “no answer” to the facet’s issues.

Tuchel has publicly referred to as for a brand new defensive midfielder, whereas the continued saga surrounding injured captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer was made worse by the sale of alternative Yann Sommer to Inter Milan.

– ‘Strolling on water’ –

Even for the richest membership in Germany, the outlay on Kane was lavish and the Bayern brass will need a right away return.

Tuchel mentioned as a lot after Saturday’s consequence, saying Kane would “quickly assist the group and elevate us as much as a brand new degree”.

“We’ve got to get to know him however he’ll play each recreation.”

Kane embraced the expectations on him at his unveiling on Sunday, saying: “I am right here to win the Champions League with this group.”

The sky-high expectations on Kane come after the failed signing of Sadio Mane.

Mane, one other arrival from the Premier League unveiled to nice fanfare, lasted only one disappointing yr in Munich, having didn’t step into the sneakers of the departed Robert Lewandowski.

Lewandowski scored 344 objectives in 375 Bayern appearances throughout his eight years on the membership, making the Pole an virtually inconceivable act to observe.

As a real centre-forward, Kane is extra probably than the Senegalese to match Lewandowski’s output, however whether or not he alone can return Bayern to the European elite is a process questioned by the membership’s rivals.

Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl mentioned after his facet’s dominant efficiency on Saturday that the hype round Kane made the England captain appear “just like the messiah, strolling on water”.

Kane’s first true check will come on Friday, when he’ll begin up entrance as Bayern tackle Werder Bremen within the season opener.

If Kane takes too lengthy to resemble the second coming of Lewandowski, the England captain will quickly realise how shortly endurance wears skinny in Bavaria.

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