Kane sets clear Bayern goal before Champions League opener | OneFootball

Just before the kickoff in the Champions League, Harry Kane has set a clear goal for FC Bayern. The English striker is determined for his team to secure a direct entry into the round of 16 – and he strongly warned against the additional burden of potential playoff games.

On Wednesday evening (9:00 PM/DAZN), the Munich team faces a real test right at the start with the club world champion FC Chelsea. Kane understands the importance of a successful start to the new league phase: "It's important to be among the top eight because these additional playoff games make a big difference for the season."

The 32-year-old recalled the experiences from the previous season. Back then, Bayern, as twelfth in the league phase, had to play two additional matches against Celtic Glasgow to advance to the round of 16. "That was our most stressful time of the season. It made a big difference. We also lost a few players after this phase in March," Kane explained.

Calculations for the Top Eight

Photo: IMAGO

To avoid the playoff detour, the captain of the English national team has a clear strategy: "Six wins or five with some draws," according to Kane, are necessary to secure a spot directly among the top eight.

The opponents in the league phase are tough. Besides Chelsea, FC Bayern will face the titleholder Paris Saint-Germain, FC Arsenal, Club Brugge, Union Saint-Gilloise, Sporting Lisbon, PSV Eindhoven, and the Cypriot underdog Paphos FC.

Clear Warning Against Additional Burden

Kane is determined with his teammates to prevent a repeat of last season's scenarios: "Those additional games came in the middle of important Bundesliga weeks with Leverkusen and Frankfurt. It challenged us extremely," said the striker.

The message before the kickoff in the Champions League is clear: Bayern wants to score early, show consistency – and take the direct route to the round of 16. For Kane, it's clear: Only those who avoid the playoffs have the best chances in the decisive phase of the season.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.