Thomas Tuchel has said “it’s a gift” to manage Harry Kane at Bayern Munich, stating that he feels privileged to work with a player who operates at the “highest level” every single day.
The 30-year-old has scored a record-breaking 22 goals for Bayern in the Bundesliga already, claiming three hat-tricks en route to netting in 13 of the Bavarian giants’ 16 games to date.
Kane has added a further four in the Champions League to take his tally for the season to 26, and leads Kylian Mbappe, Lautaro Martinez and Erling Haaland in the race for the European Golden Shoe.
Despite Kane’s goal heroics, Bayern currently sit second in the Bundesliga table, trailing surprise leaders Bayer Leverkusen by four points. But the impact of the England captain has not gone unnoticed by Tuchel, who told ESPN in a sit-down interview that it’s a pleasure to manage a player of such all-round quality.
“It’s just a gift, honestly, to be his coach,” Tuchel remarked. “I feel very privileged, the guy is super humble, is the first out on the [training] pitch every single day, whatever you ask of him if he will do it. He is that huge personality that comes so humble and becomes a shark on the field. He is up for goals, he is up for winning and he does it on an every day basis.
“He trains well, he does what is needed, shows everyone his quality, calms everyone down around him and makes everyone better with his pure presence. As a human being but also as a footballer, [he’s the] highest level.
“He’s a total team player, he’s not happy to not win, he’s a winner.”
Tuchel was asked about the pressure of managing Bayern – where there is huge expectation to consistently win matches and titles – and how life back in Germany compared to his time in England, and he quickly admitted that he doesn’t feel as appreciated in his homeland.
“Yep. Pretty simple question,” Tuchel replied when asked if the perception of him was better in England. “I feel we are very critical of each other in Germany, especially with players and coaches. It is very hard to escape.
“There is a picture and this picture is basically the picture for years and years. I felt more appreciation in England, yes.”
