Harry Kane believes Bayern Munich have run out of excuses in their pursuit of European glory, insisting the German giants must find a way to win the Champions League this season after another painful semi-final exit.
Bayern Munich are entering another Champions League campaign with one target above all others: finally reclaiming the European crown.
The German giants have reached the semi-finals twice during Harry Kane’s three seasons at the club but have been unable to take the final step. Their latest disappointment came against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain last season, when a chaotic 5-4 defeat in the first leg was followed by a 1-1 draw in Munich.
PSG went on to beat Arsenal on penalties in the final and become European champions for a second consecutive season.
For Bayern, however, another near-miss has only increased the pressure.
“Yes, we’re really close,” Kane told the media. “I think last year was the finest of margins – to go out to a team who has won the Champions League back-to-back. There’s no shame in that.
“We’re coming into this season now saying that it needs to be our year. We need to find a way to get it done.”
Bayern’s last Champions League triumph came in 2020, when they completed a historic treble under Hansi Flick. Since then, the competition has repeatedly exposed the narrow margins separating them from Europe’s very best.
“It is not just about being the best team. Sometimes you also need a bit of luck at the right moment,” the England captain said.
Bayern’s Squad Depth Could Decide Their European Fate
Vincent Kompany has made no secret of Bayern’s ambitions. Alongside the Bundesliga and German Cup, the Champions League remains a primary objective for the Belgian coach.
“The goals with Bayern are always the highest: winning the Bundesliga, winning the Pokal, winning the Champions League – and maybe even winning every game,” Kompany said in August.
Bayern have strengthened their squad during the summer, bringing in Ismael Saibari and Nathaniel Brown in an attempt to add versatility to a squad facing another demanding schedule. Saibari can operate across the forward line, while Brown has already demonstrated his ability to play both at left-back and further forward.
Yet former Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger believes depth could still become a problem as the season progresses.
“We have to see. There are some suggestions they may still be one or two players short,” Schweinsteiger told reporters.
The biggest uncertainty surrounds Jamal Musiala, whose fitness and availability will be closely monitored after his recent neurological issue. Musiala returned to action in Bayern’s goalless draw against Schalke, but his situation could have major implications over a long European campaign.
Schweinsteiger pointed to Bayern’s semi-final defeat by PSG as evidence of how important squad depth can become at the highest level.
“In matches like those, Bayern Munich may need to adapt their style of play, because PSG’s attacking players, and indeed the team as a whole, pose a different challenge from those Bayern Munich usually face in the Bundesliga,” he said.
Kane has already experienced the heartbreak of falling short with Bayern. Twice, the club have come within touching distance of another Champions League final during his tenure, only to see their dreams disappear. Now the England captain believes Bayern must turn those lessons into results.
