By Nathalia Araújo, dpa I SUNDAY, AUGUST 13, 2023
MUNICH – Bayern Munich newcomer Harry Kane said “there’s no time to panic” after making his debut for the Bundesliga champions in a 3-0 defeat to German Cup winners RB Leipzig in the Super Cup.
“I wanted to come here and win the game, the whole team wanted to win, but that wasn’t the case. But there’s no time to panic, it’s a long season ahead,” Kane said during his official presentation on Sunday.
The striker became the most expensive Bundesliga newcomer just a few hours before the match, but couldn’t do anything to help Bayern and also claim his first-ever title after coming from the bench in the second half.
Bayern have reportedly paid Premier League side Tottenham €100 million ($110 million) for Kane. Despite being the all-time England and Spurs top scorer, the forward is yet to win a title.
Despite the defeat, which prompted sharp criticism from coach Thomas Tuchel, Kane said he was very happy with the conclusion of the transfer after months of negotiations and with the reception he received.
“It was just amazing to see the reception (from the fans). Throughout the game, I could hear them singing. It was unfortunate that we kind of gave away the penalty so quickly after coming on, that really killed the momentum of the game,” he said.
Tuchel said after the match that he felt sorry for Kane and that “he probably thinks we haven’t trained for four weeks.”
The coach explained that the forward was not in the starting line-up as he “went to bed at 3 or 4 am” after landing in Munich on Friday evening. Tuchel, however, stressed that Kane will start their Bundesliga opener against Werder Bremen on Friday.
“He will play every game, that’s it. There is no build-up. He will train with us and will start against Werder Bremen,” the coach said.
The Allianz Arena erupted in a wave of applause and chanted the forward’s name when Tuchel called Kane into the game, but the excitement could be seen even before the official announcement on Saturday morning.
On Friday, some 40,000 people were tracking Kane’s private flight online to see when he would land in Munich.
“I got told about the plane by a few people, which is new to me. I didn’t even know you could track planes,” Kane said. “But that’s all part of the experience. All I can say is I hope I can repay everyone who was watching that plane with some good performances.”
The negotiations between Bayern and Tottenham were “a long process,” Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen said. The German side reportedly had three offers rejected by the Premier League club before finally reaching an agreement.
Bayern were desperately looking for a new top forward after Robert Lewandowski left a year ago for Barcelona.
“We are proud that Harry chose us. That shows that he trusts us with titles and international competitiveness. International stars are good for the Bundesliga, I would like other teams to follow suit,” Dreesen said.
Kane added: “The past few days have been intense, for me this was my first big transfer. I’m just happy to be here. In the last 48 hours the deal was a bit up and down, it was a bit of a rollercoaster.”
He would be out of contract in 2024 in London, which would have meant he could leave for free if he had stayed one more year at his boyhood club.
Asked why he left Tottenham, he said: “I wanted to improve myself and push my limits. I want to play in the Champions League and fight for titles every year. That’s why I’ve come to Bayern. It’s one of the biggest clubs in the world and they offer me that opportunity.”
He almost reached Champions League glory in 2019, but Tottenham lost to Premier League rivals Liverpool in the final. Should Bayern reach the final this season, Kane would have the chance to win the trophy in his home England, as the game is set to be played at the Wembley stadium in London.
The player, however, stressed: “That’s still a long way off. But the fact the final will be at Wembley is great.” Bayern won the Champions League at the stadium in 2013.
