Bayern Munich’s new-look side face a stern Champions League opener against Club World Cup winners Chelsea on Wednesday, a rematch of the 2012 final at the Allianz Arena.
The Bavarians endured a turbulent summer, losing Leroy Sane, Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Mathys Tel, while only Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson arrived.
Long-term injuries to Jamal Musiala and Alphonso Davies have further depleted the squad.
Harry Kane, usually cautious with his words, admitted concern. “Maybe one of the smallest squads I’ve had in my career,” he said, calling Bayern “thin” after a muted transfer window.
The England striker also stressed the need for a strong start. “It’s important to be in the top eight because that extra game can make a big difference.
Last year, playing that Celtic game in our busiest period made a big difference, and we ended up losing a few players after that period in March.”
Diaz has shone with four goals and two assists in his first five games, while Jackson, on loan from Chelsea, made his Bayern debut at the weekend.
Kane dismissed the notion that the Senegalese striker is merely cover. “I don’t see him as a back-up – I see him as an attacking player who can help us.”
Former Bayern forward Claudio Pizarro, who also played for Chelsea, compared Jackson’s challenge to his own role as a super-sub.
“It’s a hard role to play. I hope he will adapt like Luis (Diaz),” he said, recalling how competition between Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben once pushed Bayern to their 2013 treble. “One wanted to be the best, the other as well. It was a good fight.”
