Harry Kane's waiting for a trophy could end soon, because Bayern Munich was clearly at the top of the Bundesliga table prior to their match with Borussia Dortmund in der Klassiker on Saturday. But it comes at a time when he is examined.
The captain of England missed three good chances to score in the 2-1 quarter-final defeat of Bayern to interse on Tuesday evening in the home leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League. These are the nights in which he is expected to make the difference for his team.
Kane has weighed with another 23 Bundesliga goals this season, set to claim the top scorers prize again. He also has 10 in the Champions League, in both feet against Bayer Leverkusen in the round of 16. But there is still the demand for more.
After all, Kane was not recruited to deliver the Bundesliga title that Bayern had won before his arrival 11 times in a row. The aim was to raise them again to European awards. But former Tottenham and Bayern striker Jurgen Klinsmann has some sympathy.
“He has a similar situation than what I had at club level,” says Klinsmann. The German striker had already lifted the World Cup for his country in 1990, but was 30 when he came to Bayern. “Until I left Spurs and went to Bayern, I hadn't won a club title yet.”
He adds: “I have always said that if Harry leaves in time at a certain moment, he gets that chance to win titles with his club team. And of course, to Bayern Munich, the chance is very high. Usually they are always a favorite for the domestic title.
“I am really happy for him because he deserves so much. In my opinion he was very close to the euros, of course with the final, and it has not yet worked with the national team. Maybe next year in the United States for the World Cup.
“But at club level I am very happy that it is most likely that there are now six points ahead. We will see after the weekend. But he now has that big chance to win the first trophy in Germany. And then show us what is happening now with Inter Milan.”
How important is Kane to Bayern?
“He is extremely important for the Bayern side. And he has done fantastic work from the first day. When he came, it is clear [Robert] Lewandowski went to Barcelona. “Bayern had spent a season without a natural striker and there was still a void to fill.
“Bayern Munich has a huge tradition of the number of nines. The largest number nine ever played for Bayern Munich is clearly Gerd Müller. And he is no longer with us. But there is always a very special eye on the number nines in Bayern Munich.
“To fill that place, it is also an honor, you know. It is really something very, very special. I could live it for two years at a certain time [between 1995 and 1997]. And so he knows that he is closely followed by everyone, that he receives support from everyone. “
On the field, the Bayern team is aimed at providing him with players such as Leroy Sane and Jamal Musiala who offer the movement around him. It is a recipe for scoring goals – 44 of them last season for Bayern and this time another 34 in all competitions.
“It seems that it clicks well with the players around him. He plays in a system where he is fed by the attacking midfielders. He does not play a double number nine, two strikers such as Inter Milan, for example with Lautaro [Martinez] and Marcus Thuram.
“But he is used to exactly the style of play of Spurs for so many years, so he just changed the environment. When he went from London to Munich, he would play the same kind of football. And that's it. I mean, I just love him to watch.”
Embrace the Bavarian culture
Nobody can question Bayern the dedication of Kane. The last time the top of England made the move abroad, Michael Owen was back from Real Madrid the following year. Kane's stay in Munich will extend to a third season and perhaps beyond.
“What he has done extremely well, you know, is that he has adapted to Germany, to Bavaria,” says Klinsmann, referring to the very specific culture there. “He became part of their lifestyle, part of the city. His family just slid in that kind of way of life there.
“It's a very international place, Munich, so it's not that problematic. But you still have to go to another country and keep your working speed at the highest level. In the meantime, you have to find out that your family is also comfortable and has a good time.
“And he has discovered all of that. And the people, I mean, not all fans, but only the regular people in Munich, they love him because he is only himself. He is humble. He is down to Earth. And he focuses on what is the most important thing, and that goals score for him.”
Balloon d'Or Podium for Kane?
Klinsmann was second in the Ballon d'Or voted in 1995, when he left Tottenham for Bayern. “I was a bit of bad luck because they opened it for the first time for players outside of Europe and there was a certain George Weah with AC Milan.”
Asked if Kane is a candidate for the Ballon d'Or, says Klinsmann: “Absolutely, he should be in that top three of the Ballon d'Or. Of course, if you go into the last four at least, you probably have to win the Champions League. I mean, it's a bit with it.
“You have to be great in Europe that year. I had a fantastic domestic season in the Premier League, but I didn't have the pedigree to say that I won the Champions League. And that year also not the UEFA cup that I won a year later with Bayern Munich. My bad timing.
“But Harry should be in the top three, at least the top five.”
Kane's trophy waiting is almost over
Much will depend on whether Kane can do something special in Milan in the second stage, but there is the possibility to take a big step in the direction of the Bundesliga title against Dortmund. Win that and the monkey will finally be very quickly from his back.
“He deserves it because he is just an excellent player. He has proven it in the last 10 to 12 years. His figures are insane, absolutely insane. And he will do that for a few years because he is still in top condition. He is fit. He is hungry. And I think the day is getting closer and closer that he has a trophy in his hands.”
View Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund Live on Sky Sports Football this Saturday; kick -off 5.30 pm