Owen Hargreaves discusses Harry Kane’s aspirations for trophies and the challenges faced by Bayern Munich under Thomas Tuchel.

Bayern Munich are not considered the favourites to win the UEFA Champions League this season, according to former midfielder Owen Hargreaves. Hargreaves believes that the goals of Harry Kane and the pressure surrounding the team could inspire them to salvage their season.

Bayern are not accustomed to going trophyless in any campaign, with their last trophyless season occurring in 2011/12. However, with Bayer Leverkusen performing strongly in the Bundesliga and Thomas Tuchel’s side out of the DFB-Pokal, the Champions League represents Bayern’s best chance of winning silverware in the 2023/24 season.

Hargreaves believes that Bayern’s success hinges on the return of their full-strength starting XI. He stated that if players like Serge Gnabry, Alphonso Davies, Kingsley Coman, and Jamal Musiala are fit, along with Harry Kane and Manuel Neuer, Bayern have an incredible starting XI. However, Hargreaves also acknowledged that Bayern are not the favourites to win the Champions League, but the stress surrounding the team could potentially galvanise them.

Hargreaves expressed his hope that Bayern can finish the season well, especially for Kane’s sake, as he wants to see the striker win a trophy. He noted that Bayern have won a trophy for 12 consecutive years, but with Kane’s arrival, they may not win one this season. Hargreaves believes that Bayern will bounce back next year, as they are a club that does not sit still when things don’t go according to plan.

Hargreaves also commented on Bayern’s defensive vulnerabilities, stating that they need to find a way to be better defensively, as they are too open at times. He acknowledged that Bayern can beat any team on their best day, but against top teams like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and PSG, they may struggle.

In addition to discussing Bayern’s current situation, Hargreaves reflected on his own experience playing in the Champions League for Bayern. He recalled his first full Champions League appearance in 2001 against Real Madrid, which he described as a career-changing moment that boosted his self-belief. Hargreaves compared his experience to that of Aleksandar Pavlovic, who impressed in Bayern’s second-leg victory over Lazio. Hargreaves praised Pavlovic’s maturity, passing ability, and positioning, likening him to former Manchester United player Michael Carrick.