Bayern Munich and Arsenal shared four goals on Wednesday night, with Kane scoring from the penalty spot as the German side took the lead before Declan Rice equalised late on. The result prompted Klopp to discuss Bayern’s tactical approach during his analysis for DAZN, admitting that he still could not fully understand how they operate defensively.
“To this day, I still haven’t fully understood what Bayern do when they don’t have the ball. I simply want to understand it. Sometimes it’s hybrid, then man-to-man, then not man-to-man. I’m still trying to work it out,” Klopp said.
His main concern was Kane’s movement away from the ball. The England striker is usually associated with his finishing and link-up play, but Klopp questioned why he sometimes appears deep in midfield while Bayern are pressing rather than staying in a more conventional defensive position.
“Harry Kane is everywhere today. I think that’s fine with the ball, but without it? When I see Harry Kane in the last line of defence, not in a deep block but pressing in midfield, I’m not the pope of football; everyone can do what they want. But I can’t understand what they’re trying to do,” Klopp said.
The comments were a tactical observation rather than a criticism of Kane’s attacking contribution. The striker was involved in Bayern’s goals against Arsenal, scoring from the spot as the hosts looked to secure a home victory before Rice’s late equaliser denied them all three points.
Kane’s individual season has also placed him among the leading names in discussions around the Ballon d’Or. The England international has continued to deliver goals for Bayern, while the award vote had already closed ahead of the ceremony.
Asked about his hopes of winning the prize, Kane said he could do little but wait for the result.
“It would be fantastic to win. The voting closed a long time ago, so there’s nothing I can do. Now I just have to wait and see what happens,” he said, according to the BBC.
Bayern’s draw with Arsenal leaves the wider debate about their pressing system unresolved. Klopp acknowledged that teams can choose their own methods, but his comments highlighted how Kane’s flexible role can look unusual when Bayern are defending.
For Kompany, the priority will be ensuring that the system continues to deliver results as the Champions League campaign progresses.