Eberl explains Bayern’s faith in Olise as Kane takes on leading role

Max Eberl says Bayern Munich were convinced to sign Michael Olise after talks with those who had worked with him at Crystal Palace, while Harry Kane’s response to a heavy defeat by Barcelona demonstrated how the England striker has developed into one of the club’s leaders.

The Bayern sporting director told Sabener 51 that Olise’s route through several academies in England had not raised doubts about his ability. Instead, Eberl believes overcoming setbacks can help shape a player’s character and contribute to his development.

“To get to know a footballer, you first need to speak to people who have known him, whether they are team-mates or opponents,” Eberl said.

“In Michael’s case, we had the advantage that Oliver Glasner was his manager at Crystal Palace at the time, and Christoph Freund, our sporting director, knows Glasner very well.”

Eberl said Glasner’s assessment carried particular weight because the manager did not simply give an unqualified recommendation.

“When a manager tells you, ‘Of course, take him, take him’, you start to wonder,” he said. “But Glasner said: ‘He still has a lot to learn, and we need him.’ That showed us how highly he valued Michael.”

Bayern then held discussions with Olise, which further strengthened their belief that he was the right player for the club.

“Talking to him about football is a real pleasure,” Eberl added.

The German club knew it was signing a high-level left-footed winger who matched Bayern’s profile. However, Eberl admitted Olise’s impact had exceeded expectations.

“Honestly, we knew we were signing a top-class left-footed winger who suited Bayern Munich,” he said. “But for it to become clear that he is an exceptional player to this extent is something different.”

The transfer fee had been anticipated because of the release clause in Olise’s contract, Eberl said. He also credited the player’s surroundings and the team he joined for helping his progress.

Kane’s influence

Eberl also described Kane’s transformation since arriving at Bayern, saying the striker has become an influential figure within the team.

“It is difficult even for a player like Harry Kane to produce his best football in a team that is struggling,” he said. “Now, everything around him is working well.”

He recalled an incident from Vincent Kompany’s first season in charge, after Bayern suffered a 4-1 defeat by Barcelona. Following the match, Kompany asked the squad for their views on what had happened.

“Harry stood up and spoke powerfully, going straight to the heart of the matter,” Eberl said.

“Since then, he has continued to lead the team through his performances and has never avoided taking responsibility.”

Bayern had initially known Kane primarily as a world-class centre-forward, Eberl added, but the striker’s current influence reflects the way the team’s system and his team-mates allow him to play.

“The way he plays today, and the role the system and his team-mates enable him to fulfil, is exceptional,” Eberl said. “He is the best example of what a player can become when all the right conditions come together.”