Harry Kane has grown into a leading figure at Bayern Munich since the club’s 4-1 defeat by Barcelona, according to sporting director Max Eberl, who also explained how the German club decided to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.
Speaking to Sabener 51, Eberl said Olise’s unconventional route through several academies in England did not make Bayern question his ability. He argued that overcoming difficulties can help shape a player’s character and contribute to his development.
“To get to know a footballer, you first and foremost need to speak to people who have known him, whether they were team-mates or opponents,” Eberl said.
“In Michael’s case, we had the advantage that Oliver Glasner was his manager at Crystal Palace at the time, while our sporting director Christoph Freund knew Glasner very well.”
Eberl said Glasner’s assessment carried significant weight, particularly because the former Crystal Palace manager had not suggested Olise was already the finished article.
“When a manager tells you, ‘Of course, take him, take him,’ you start to wonder,” Eberl said. “But Glasner said: ‘He still has a lot to learn, and we need him.’ That showed us how highly he valued Michael.
“Then came our conversations with the player himself. Talking to him about football is a real pleasure.”
Bayern knew they were signing a high-level left-footed winger who matched the club’s requirements, Eberl added, but Olise’s subsequent performances had exceeded expectations.
“To be honest, we knew we were bringing in a top-class left-footed winger who suited the profile of Bayern Munich,” he said. “But for it to become clear that he is an exceptional player to this extent is something different.
“The transfer fee was predictable because of the release clause in his contract. His development is also due to the environment around him and the team he plays in.”
Kane’s growing influence
Eberl also described how Kane has developed into an important leader since joining Bayern, saying the England striker is now benefiting from a more settled team environment.
“It becomes difficult even for a player like Harry Kane to produce his best when a team is struggling,” Eberl said. “Now, everything around him is going well.”
He recalled an incident from Vincent Kompany’s first season as Bayern manager, after the 4-1 loss to Barcelona. Following the match, Kompany asked the squad for its thoughts on what had happened.
“Harry stood up and gave an impressive speech. He went straight to the heart of the matter,” Eberl said.
“Since then, he has continued to lead the team through his performances and has never avoided taking responsibility.
“We knew him as a world-class out-and-out striker, but the way he plays today, and the role that the system and his team-mates allow him to fulfil, is exceptional.
“He is the best example of what a player can become when all the right conditions come together.”
