Eberl explains Olise’s recruitment and praises Kane’s growth

Max Eberl, Bayern Munich’s sporting director, has described how the club approached the recruitment of Michael Olise, the French winger at Crystal Palace. He also spoke about Harry Kane’s development into, in his view, an important leader within the team. Eberl’s comments highlight both how Bayern assessed Olise’s profile and the influence the England forward has come to wield at the club.

Eberl said Olise’s path through several academies in England did not lead Bayern to question his ability. “Difficulties can also help shape a player’s character and help him improve,” he said.

The sporting director stressed the value of speaking with people who have known a player, whether teammates or opponents, when trying to understand him. In Olise’s case, Bayern had a useful connection: Oliver Glasner was coaching him at Crystal Palace at the time, and the Munich club’s sporting director, Christoph Freund, knew Glasner well.

The coach’s assessment helped inform the club’s view of the player. Eberl said Glasner had emphasized Olise’s potential and the fact that his team needed him. Conversations with Olise himself then added to that process. “Talking football with him is a real pleasure,” Eberl said.

Eberl said Bayern had been looking for a high-level left-footed winger who matched the club’s profile. He also noted that the transfer fee was foreseeable because Olise’s contract contained a release clause. In his view, the player’s environment and the team around him have also contributed to his progress.

Eberl also described Kane’s changing role at Bayern. He believes the forward emerged as a leader after a 1-4 defeat to Barcelona during Vincent Kompany’s first season as coach. Eberl recalled that Vini addressed the team after the match and Kane then stood up to speak. Since that episode, he said, the England international has led through his performances and taken responsibility. Eberl added that the conditions around Kane now allow him to express his game more fully.