Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel lauds ‘world-class’ Harry Kane ahead of Turkey trip

Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has hailed “world-class” Harry Kane ahead of their Champions League trip to Galatasaray where the German giants could move five points clear at the top of Group A.

Tuchel’s men have won both of their group matches so far but will come up against another unbeaten side in the form of the Turkish champions on Tuesday, and the goalscoring prowess of Kane could prove key in the clash.

The England captain took his tally to 10 goals in 11 appearances for Bayern when he found the back of the net in Saturday’s 3-1 win at Mainz, and Tuchel has praised the way his star striker has started since his summer arrival in Germany.

Another game, another goal @HKane moves onto nine for the season in the Bundesliga #MiaSanMia #M05FCB pic.twitter.com/6rWnMW7uwj

— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN) October 21, 2023

“He’s more than talented, he’s absolutely world-class,” said Tuchel, quoted on UEFA’s website.

“He has talent, ability, aura, personality, modesty, and love and dedication to the game. We persuaded the captain of England to leave England and I think we can pat ourselves on the back for that for a while.

“He’s a huge signing. Harry has made a super start and will get even better the longer he trains with us and once his family arrives too. When he feels at home here, we’ll see his full potential.

“With him everything is exemplary so it’s just good to have him here.”

Bayern travel to Turkey having beaten Manchester United and Copenhagen in their opening two Group A matches to establish themselves as firm favourites to reach the knockout stages.

However, Galatasaray have also started well, netting twice late on to draw against Copenhagen before stunning United 3-2 at Old Trafford.

They have also won eight of their nine matches in the league so far this season, and Tuchel knows the dangers his side face in Istanbul.

Tuchel, who led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 and also reached the final as Paris St Germain boss, said: “The competition is so tight now that the group stage is never easy anymore.

Who’s having a better season?#UCL pic.twitter.com/dxaLpU18D1

— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) October 23, 2023

“I’ve never had an easy group stage. You have to be alert, wide awake and focused for 90 minutes on what you’re doing.

“In a group with Galatasaray, Manchester United and Copenhagen, you can’t allow yourself to make a single mistake, never mind two, so we are working on becoming more resilient and robust.

“We’re well on the way to this. We have turned a few games around after falling behind. We didn’t let it rattle us and we’re developing a certain toughness in this competition.”