When Harry Kane is on the penalty spot, it's clear what's going to happen. Bayern's goalscorer extends his streak to 29 goals in a row in the 3-0 win over Bremen. But he doesn't think he's an alien.
10.02.2025, 10:00
dpa
An "alien"? No, Harry Kane laughingly waved it off. "Not yet." But the question in front of the TV camera as to whether he was an alien after scoring 28 and 29 penalties in a row did arise after FC Bayern's 3-0 win over Werder Bremen. Because Kane's streak from the spot is getting scary. "And hopefully there's no end to it," said captain Manuel Neuer after the successful start to Bayern's big test week.
Coach Vincent Kompany also had to laugh when he was asked in the press conference whether his heart rate even rises when there are penalties and Kane, as "Mister Cool", steps up to the spot. "I don't want to talk too much about it," replied the Belgian, before explaining: "It's one thing to see what he does. But he also trains these situations a lot. I always have a bit more stress when someone doesn't train that and comes on."
Kane miss? "It can happen"
Thanks to Kane's icy coldness, Bayern can go into the two challenging stress test games in the Champions League play-off at Celtic Glasgow and immediately afterwards in the Bundesliga at champions and runners-up Bayer Leverkusen with a boost of energy. "Top teams can punish you at any moment," warned Kane. But that is precisely his gift.
Against Bremen, the 31-year-old Englishman converted his 28th and 29th penalties in a row. In between, substitute Leroy Sané also scored to make it 2-0. "I'm on a good run," said Kane after his 20th and 21st goals of the season. However, the goalscorer does not consider himself to be infallible or an "alien". "It can happen," he said about a possible miss.
Neuer: flawless - Hainer: madness
"It's also happened in the past," added Kane. But that was a long time ago. Kane's last miss dates back to December 2022, when he missed during England's World Cup quarter-final exit against France in Qatar.
"Harry does it perfectly. He has his routines, he practises it," said Neuer and revealed: "He's also missed in training - but that's very rare." Kane has a huge repertoire when it comes to execution: sometimes powerful, sometimes smooth. He can do it flat and high, left and right. "I have different options that I can use," said the flawless player.
Since signing a 100-million deal with Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023, Bayern have been able to rely on Kane to score when he takes on the opposing goalkeeper.
Kane shot to the left twice against Werder, with Michael Zetterer diving into the other corner each time. Kane paved the way for the home win. "As a striker, I take the responsibility to make the decision and score the 1-0 to open the game up," he said on dealing with the pressure.
"Celtic are a force at home"
After the Bremen game, Bayern continue their green-white campaign in Glasgow. "Celtic are a force at home," warned sporting director Max Eberl ahead of the first leg of the round of 16 tie on Wednesday. Kompany also emphasized the special atmosphere at Celtic Park, which he experienced as a professional: "It was one of the loudest away games I've had in my career."
The Scottish champions' stadium is new territory for long-time Tottenham pro Kane, of all people. "I haven't played there yet," he revealed. "But I've heard a lot about the great atmosphere. It will be a challenging game." And who knows: maybe Kane will line up for the next penalty at the noisy Celtic Park. And then continue to work on the "Alien" reputation.
