‘Next Goal, Next Game’: Bayern Say Ballon d’Or Winner Kane Remains Humble

Bayern Munich assistant coach Aaron Danks says Harry Kane’s Ballon d’Or success will not change the striker’s mindset, insisting that the England captain remains committed to improving his performances and scoring more goals.

Kane, 33, claimed the prestigious award for the first time at a ceremony held in his hometown of London on Monday evening.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Danks praised the forward’s achievements and humility, saying his attention would quickly return to football.

Danks is temporarily handling Bayern’s dugout responsibilities as head coach Vincent Kompany recovers in hospital from a virus.

“I’m really happy for him and proud of what he’s achieved. I know Harry and his full focus will now be on his next goal, his next performances, his next games,” Danks said.

“He’ll be straight back into that professional, humble mindset that got him to this level.”

Kane’s latest achievement comes after years of individual success without a major team trophy during his spell at Tottenham Hotspur. Despite finishing as runner-up in the Premier League and Champions League, he did not win a major team honour until after his move to Bayern in 2023.

His time in Munich has brought two Bundesliga titles and the German Cup, while Bayern have reached the Champions League semi-finals in two of his three seasons at the club.

According to Danks, Kane’s achievements with England and Tottenham deserved greater recognition, even before the trophies began arriving.

“I remember years ago when he was back home in England and everybody spoke about him not winning trophies, but if you looked at his career and what he was achieving, he was having a fantastic career.

“He was taking the England team to European finals, he was taking Tottenham to Champions League finals.

“Maybe he wasn’t getting the recognition in terms of trophies that he deserved, but those things are coming now for him.”

The Ballon d’Or winner is expected to rejoin his Bayern teammates in Munich on Tuesday afternoon and prepare for Wednesday’s German Cup encounter with second-tier Magdeburg.

Danks confirmed that Kane would be available for the match, stressing that the team’s immediate priority was the cup fixture.

“They’re due back at lunchtime today. He’ll train, practice this afternoon and be available for tomorrow… Our full focus is on the game tomorrow,” he said.

Meanwhile, Danks offered an encouraging update on Kompany, who was taken to hospital on Friday after collapsing on the training pitch.

Having visited the manager, Danks said Kompany remained in good spirits and appeared to be improving daily, although there was no significant update on his diagnosis or return to work.

“He’s in good spirits. It looks like every day he’s getting better. There’s no major updates in terms of diagnosis or a return to work, it’s very calm, let him rest, let him recover.”

Bayern, after seven Bundesliga matches, sit at the top of the table, level on points with Borussia Dortmund but ahead on goal difference. The rivals will face each other in Munich on Saturday.

Africans Angle News