Harry Kane embracing the role of mentor at Bayern Munich
If Bayern Munich’s defeat to third-tier FC Saarbrucken in the 2nd round of the DFB Pokal taught us anything, it’s the importance of Harry Kane. Bayern were guilty of missing several chances in their 2-1 defeat, and if you let a team hang around then you’re likely to get stung.
Thomas Tuchel decided to rest his star striker for the trip to the Ludwigsparkstadion in mid-week and also chose not to introduce the England striker from the bench despite his team struggling to find the back of the net.
Kane has been in scintillating form since making the switch from London to Munich, having scored 14 times in 13 games, as well as providing seven assists. His connection with Leroy Sane, who cut a frustrated figure against FC Saarbrucken in midweek, has been noticeable.
Kane’s contributions to Bayern don’t just stop on the field, with England’s all-time leading goalscorer also contributing to the development of younger players on the training fields of the Sabener Strasse.
Mathys Tel speaks of Harry Kane’s mentorship at Bayern Munich
Mathys Tel is one of the most exciting forwards in world football and has already scored six times in limited opportunities this season. Along with veteran Thomas Muller, Tel has been a super-sub often coming off the bench to nick a goal in the final 15 minutes of games.
The 18-year-old French forward had options to leave Bayern on loan this summer but decided that he wanted to stay and develop his career in Bavaria. That decision has been vindicated with his performances on the pitch, despite playing only 433 minutes across 15 games which averages at just under 29 minutes per game.
While talking to Bundesliga.com, Tel spoke glowingly of Kane’s contributions off the pitch. The French forward admitted that Kane is a role model for him.
"“He’s a great striker. He has shown that across his career. I’m a striker too, so he’s a role model for me. It’s important to have people to learn from technically and in terms of finishing. Often I don’t even have to ask him. He just comes over to me and tells me: ‘Mathys, you can do that, or that’. He’s a role model to me, and he is helping me a lot.”"
Kane is one of the most clinical finishers in football, whether that’s inside the box, outside the box, with his head or either foot. His goal record speaks for itself, and Tel’s development will only be aided by Kane’s presence, which works out well for Bayern now and in the future. Tel insisted that Kane often gives him technical advice on and off the pitch to become a better player.
Next. Tactical takeaways from 2-1 loss against Saarbrucken. dark
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Tel had to be patient considering the firepower that Thomas Tuchel has at his disposal with his front four of Kane, Coman, Sane, and Musiala, but his time will come to get consistent starts. For now, Tel will continue to contribute from the bench.