Viking defender Falchener says Kane would be preferable to Haaland

Viking FK defender Henrik Falchener says he would rather face Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane than Manchester City forward Erling Haaland before Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with the German champions.

Viking host Bayern at the SR-Bank Arena, where Falchener is expected to help deal with Kane, the England captain and one of the most prolific forwards in world football.

The Norwegian defender says Viking’s preparations have focused on studying Kane’s game and identifying how to limit his influence, while also recognising that the striker must not be treated as an untouchable figure.

“Harry Kane is a very good player, but we are all human. You have to put in your mind that he’s a pretty ordinary striker, even though he is one of the best in that position,” Falchener said in an interview.

“We’ve watched the videos and we know what to expect, what he is good at, and what we have to avoid with him.”

Falchener was then asked to compare the challenge posed by Kane with that of Haaland, his fellow Norway international.

The Viking defender said the two forwards have contrasting approaches and offer different threats, making a direct comparison difficult.

“They’re different types of players. Haaland is insanely big physically, fast and strong. Kane is a little more technical. He drops deeper and is more involved in the game. And he’s also quite dangerous in front of goal,” he said.

Kane’s ability to contribute outside the penalty area and his technical quality set him apart, according to Falchener. However, he considers Haaland’s physical power and acceleration a more demanding combination for a defender to handle.

“I personally feel it would suit me better to face Kane than Haaland. When Haaland turns on the turbo, he’s gone.”

Viking’s task on Tuesday will therefore centre on containing Kane’s movement, involvement in Bayern’s play and finishing ability, while Falchener has made clear that Haaland’s pace and strength would represent the greater personal challenge.

The match at the SR-Bank Arena gives the Norwegian side the opportunity to test themselves against Bayern Munich, with Falchener preparing for the responsibility of defending against one of the leading strikers in the competition.