Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has backed Harry Kane to continue his remarkable start to life with the German giants.
The England captain scored his third hat-trick in Saturday’s 4-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, taking his tally of Bundesliga goals to 15 from 10 games.
He has also scored twice in three Champions League group games and is set to lead the line again for Wednesday’s home clash with Galatasaray, with Bayern poised to book their spot in the knockout stages.
“You can’t rate it highly enough really,” Tuchel told reporters at a press conference. “It’s the first time that he changed clubs, he’s leaving his country to go into a new league, a new city, not only to him but for his family as well.
“I always knew what he’s able to do and I never really doubted that he would be able to score goals and assist goals, that he can do it on any pitch in the world, because he’s been doing it for more than 10 years.
“But still there are so many variables. If you work with him on a daily basis, his personality and his love for the game and the way he practises, he is a footballer at heart and it’s just great to see. And it’s going to stay that way. He’s at the right place now and it’s not the end yet.”
It is nearly three years since Bayern failed to win a group match in the Champions League, while they are unbeaten in their last 37 as they chase a 16th consecutive qualification.
Back-to-back hat-tricks Top goalscorer in the Bundesliga
Harry Kane is inevitable
— FC Bayern Munich (@FCBayernEN)
Matthijs de Ligt and Raphael Guerreiro are set to sit out the clash but Dayot Upamecano and Leon Goretzka are in contention while veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is set to make his return to the Champions League.
The 37-year-old spent 11 months on the sidelines after breaking his leg skiing but has played in the last three matches.
He said: “I’m very happy to have played my first games again and I’m happy that it came out all right. Obviously the body is reacting to it, which is completely normal after such a long and heavy injury.
“I can only say that I’m feeling very well before the games, and then after the games I have to go to the therapist again and take care of my body. But I’m looking forward to donning the Champions League jersey again.”
Tuchel hailed Neuer’s return, saying: “It’s sensational. We really didn’t know whether he would be ready for midweek games.
“He absolutely knows that it is a bonus at this time and if he stays that way then he will get to his old strength again, maybe even better. He has not reached his limit yet but these are incredible first steps.
“He gives us the stability, the calmness, he leads with his own way. He makes his fellow players better. To have this happen that quickly is really extraordinary.”
