Bayern star reflects on Spurs-Chelsea rivalry ahead of UCL clash
Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane says he’s fired up to face former rivals Chelsea in Wednesday’s Champions League showdown in Germany, admitting that playing English clubs adds “something special” to the occasion.
Speaking to reporters in Munich on Tuesday, the 32-year-old England captain said his long history with Chelsea as a Tottenham player fuels his desire to deliver a top performance.
“The rivalry was a good rivalry, especially early in my Tottenham career in the (Mauricio) Pochettino era. We had a lot of good games, tough games against each other,” Kane recalled.
Kane played 22 times against Chelsea in all competitions while at Spurs, scoring 8 goals and winning 7 matches before his 2023 move to Bayern Munich.
“Premier League sides bring out my best”
Kane admitted that he draws extra motivation from facing English opposition.
“Maybe the Chelsea fans don’t like me as much and when we play Arsenal, maybe the Arsenal fans don’t like me as much,” he joked.
“That makes me want to play better, that motivates me. There will be some familiar faces — all those things added together brings a little something special.”
A blistering Bayern record
Since joining Bayern, Kane has been nothing short of prolific, with 93 goals in 101 games across all competitions.
“I don’t think I expected it. I always back myself to score goals but I didn’t know how it would go,” Kane said.
“The style suits me well. I’ve got a lot of confidence right now and I’m physically and mentally strong.”
Last season, Kane picked up the first major trophy of his career as Bayern clinched the Bundesliga title.
“We’re not underdogs” — Kane
Kane pushed back against claims from club honorary president Uli Hoeness that Bayern should be considered Champions League underdogs this season.
“When you’re at a club like Bayern Munich, there’s an expectation to win the best competitions — and the Champions League especially.
“If we don’t win it, there’s always going to be disappointment. I wouldn’t say we’re underdogs.”
Kompany laments Premier League spending power
Bayern head coach Vincent Kompany also addressed the ongoing talent drain from Germany to England, as Premier League clubs continue to poach Bundesliga stars.
“Obviously there’s a big financial gap between the Premier League and other leagues,” Kompany said.
“We have to think about how we solve that one day. The Bundesliga has a lot of talent and English sides have bought a lot of players from here.”
Still, Kompany insisted Wednesday’s tie is not about league rivalries.
“Tomorrow is not about Bundesliga versus Premier League,” he added.
