MUNICH: Bayern Munich have made the European Champions League their main target this season after coming close to lifting the prestigious trophy several times, with Harry Kane insisting “it needs to be our year”.
Bayern were disappointedly eliminated by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in last season’s semi-finals.
PSG won a tight first leg 5-4 before tying Bayern 1-1 in the second leg in Munich to reach the final, before beating Arsenal in a penalty shootout to win their second successive championship.
Bayern begin their quest for a seventh European Cup when they play Norwegian club Bodo/Glimt at home on Thursday.
Former Bayern midfielder and 2013 Champions League winner Bastian Schweinsteiger believes a lack of squad depth could be a major obstacle to the club’s hopes of lifting the trophy for the first time since 2020.
His manager, Vincent Kompany, made the Champions League the team’s main target, in addition to continuing Bayern’s dominance in domestic competition.
“The goal with Bayern is always the highest: win the Bundesliga, win the Pokal (German Cup), win the Champions League and maybe even win every game,” Kompany told the club’s magazine in August.
Bayern have reached the semi-finals of the Champions League twice during Kane’s three years with the club, but failed to go further.
In the 2023-24 season, Bayern almost reached the final but fell victim to a resurgent Real Madrid, who were then chasing the title.
Kane was sent off with Bayern leading by a goal with six minutes remaining in the second leg, before the Spanish club scored two goals in three minutes to change the tie.
“Yes, we were really close. I think last season it was only a very small difference if we went out to a team that won the Champions League twice in a row. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.
“We went into this season saying that this has to be our year. We need to find a way to do it,” Kane told TNT Sports about Bayern’s chances this season.
The England captain has gone through many experiences almost achieving glory with his club and country throughout his career.
Kane, who was previously often criticized for his lack of team trophies, has now won five championships since joining Bayern, including two Bundesligas and one German Cup.
“It’s not just about being the best team. Sometimes you also need a bit of luck at the right time,” he said.
Bayern’s fate regarding player injuries could also determine the course of their season.
Bayern made two major summer signings to add depth and flexibility to the squad ahead of a challenging season.
Ismael Saibari was brought in and has been able to play in several positions in attack, while German player Nathaniel Brown has been used at left-back and in midfield this season.
Schweinsteiger believes Bayern will “take over the Bundesliga”, but says squad depth remains a concern, particularly given Jamal Musiala’s situation.
After going down in a pre-season match, Musiala revealed he was suffering from a neurological problem which could have caused convulsions, but returned to action without incident in the scoreless draw against Schalke last Saturday.
“We need to look at the situation. There are some signs that they may still be short one or two players,” Schweinsteiger told AFP.
“Jamal Musiala’s situation is difficult, so it will be interesting to see how Bayern Munich manage him because throughout the season, you need strong options off the bench.
“If I look back at the match against PSG, their choice from the bench made a difference in the second game.
“Luis Enrique made a very good tactical change in the second half of the match in Munich to win and advance.
“In such a match, Bayern Munich may need to adapt their style of play because PSG’s attacking players, in fact their entire squad, pose a different challenge compared to the opponents Bayern Munich usually face in the Bundesliga,” he said.