Bayern Munich forward, Harry Kane, has said, playing against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night will be “first time” he is fielding against the Spanish La Liga side with the German Champions.
At his pre-match presser, he described Diego Simeone’s Mattress Makers as “dangerous”, and said, they have a “strong defense”. The England Captain added, it will be “difficult” for the Bavarians to “break down” Atletico’s defense.
On the reason he moved to Bayern Munich, Kane said on the Club’s X account, he has “always seen” Bayern featuring in top competitions and ultimately clinching trophies; he added, he wants to be a “part” of that “environment”.
He said, he conversed with the then manager of Tottenham Hotspur, Jose Mourinho, and he received the blessing of the Portuguese manager; and after that moment, he gained “scope and freedom”
Kane confessed, he is now “happy” after attaining a “higher level” in his career at Allianz Arena.
The Englishman described Atletico head coach, Simeone, as “one of the best coaches of this era” following his achievements with the Mattress Makers.
He said, he contended with diverse “challenges” in his career before carting home the Ballon d’Or, describing winning the prestigious accolade as a “huge achievement”.
The goal machine credited his “hard work and determination” for how far he has emerged in his career; he admitted, Argentine pro football manager, Simeone, will do “everything” possible to stop him and the Bavarians when they collide on Tuesday.
Kane said, he keeps working to improve on converting for Bayern Munich from the spot. He said, he has played more than “20” penalty kicks for the Bavarians, however, failed to convert some.
He credited Mourinho for converting him into a full striker, saying, he fielded in “all sorts of positions” earlier in his career. He continued, the current Real Madrid manager handed him so much “freedom”.
Kane, who featured for Leicester City on loan in 2013, made known, one of his “main strengths” was his “passing”.
Bayern Munich will take a trip to Spain for the League Phase match of the Uefa Champions League 2026/27 against Atletico Madrid at Metropolitano in Madrid City on Tuesday 3 November, 2026 at 21:00 (WAT).
Englishman, Aaron Danks, is set to take the position of his boss, Vincent Kompany, when Bayern Munich fields against their Spanish hosts. Kompany remains sidelined.
At his pre-Atletico Madrid press conference, Kane said:
On Atletico Madrid…
“This is the first time I’ve played against Atlético with Bayern. We know how dangerous they can be; their defence will be strong, and it’ll be difficult to break down their defence. We’ll need to be well prepared to beat them.”
On why he joined Bayern Munich…
“I always saw Bayern competing in major tournaments and winning trophies – and being part of that environment was my aim. I spoke to Mourinho at Tottenham; José supported me – from then on, my game changed; I had more scope and freedom. Then I joined Bayern and quickly realised it was an opportunity to reach a higher level. And now I’m very happy to be at Bayern Munich.”
On Atletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone…
“I’d like to thank Diego Simeone, who is one of the best coaches of this era. I’m proud to receive praise from someone like him. Winning the Ballon d’Or was a huge achievement for me – I’ve had to overcome many challenges in my career; some people didn’t think I’d get this far. My hard work and determination have got me this far.
“But Simeone will do everything he can to stop me and the team tomorrow.”
On his penalty conversion rate…
“I always prepare for penalties in the same way. I reckon I’ve taken over 20 for Bayern; some didn’t go in – which shows you have to keep practising that routine time and again. If there’s one tomorrow, I’m confident I’ll score again.”
On his versatility…
“I think even back when I was playing for the youth teams, I was already playing in all sorts of positions. At Tottenham, I was locked into the number nine role. When José arrived, he gave me a lot of freedom.
“And one of my main strengths was my passing – people didn’t really notice that because they saw me more as a goalscorer and in the number nine role.”
Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid are 14th and 16th on the Champions League table with five (5) and four (4) points respectively.
