Jurgen Klinsmann tells Harry Kane how to become a Bayern legend - off the pitch
Jurgen Klinsmann has urged Harry Kane to pull on a pair of lederhosen and enjoy a pint of pilsner if he wants to become a Bayern Munich legend.
Former Tottenham striker Klinsmann was a pioneer for foreign players in the Premier League during a goal-packed season at White Hart Lane nearly three decades ago.
And the Germany legend is backing Kane to take the Bundesliga by storm following a record-breaking £100million switch to the Allianz Arena.
World Cup-winner Klinsmann was named Footballer of the Year after scoring 29 times in his only -season at Spurs in 1994-95.
But he was lured to Bayern by an irresistible charm offensive led by Franz Beckenbauer, and says the German giants are now banking on England captain Kane leading them to glory in the Champions League.
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It was Klinsmann’s attitude as much as his eye for goal that made him one of English football’s first superstar imports – and on that score he has some advice for Kane on how to turn the respect of Bayern’s fans into everlasting love.
“I heard Harry say in one of his interviews that the language everyone understands is scoring goals,” said Klinsmann. “He is absolutely right – and that’s why Bayern signed him. Harry will fit in quickly because there is no language barrier.
“He won’t need to learn German because most people in Munich speak English, including Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel and his team-mates. But he should still try to learn, even if it’s just a little.
“I can’t describe how people will freak out if he embraces their way of life, and picks up even just a few words of our language. Just saying ‘Hello’ or ‘Thank you’ or ‘Nice to see you’ in German will have a huge impact, as it shows respect.
“The fans like their heroes to be humble. They will not care what car Harry drives or what kind of house he lives in if he shows that deep down he is just a normal lad.
Klinsmann celebrates a goal during his Spurs days (Popperfoto via Getty Images)“He made a great start when he presented his family to the Bayern fans and said, ‘I have come here to score goals and my family have come here to experience what it’s like to live in Germany’.
“But it would be great to see him dive right into Bavarian culture by grabbing himself a pair of lederhosen to wear for Oktoberfest, then going out for a few beers and some delicious German white sausage – all preferably before noon.
“Harry is an Englishman, so should have absolutely no problem with drinking beer!”
Klinsmann already spoke fluent English when Tottenham signed him from Monaco in a £2m deal in July 1994.
Four years earlier he had been in the West Germany team that had reduced Paul Gascoigne to tears as they knocked England out in the World Cup semi-finals. Within days of his arrival at Tottenham the then 30-year-old was -photographed reading English newspapers, and was regularly seen driving around London in his veteran VW Beetle.
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Making his debut, he scored Spurs’ fourth goal in a thrilling 4-3 win at Sheffield Wednesday on the opening day of the season – then mocked his reputation for being a diver by performing a belly flop on the turf to celebrate.
But after a campaign which saw Ossie Ardiles sacked as Tottenham manager and brought the heartbreak of defeat by Everton in an FA Cup semi-final, Bayern made Klinsmann an offer.
It was the same tantalising challenge that has now lured Kane to the Bundesliga at the peak of his career. Klinsmann, who is still seeking new challenges himself, aged 59, as coach of South Korea’s national team, recalled: “I was at my home in Hampstead when Franz Beckenbauer telephoned to ask me if I wanted to join Bayern Munich.
“You don’t say ‘No’ to him. It’s like Bobby Charlton asking you to sign for Manchester United.
“I was happy at Spurs, but the only trophy I had ever won at club level was the UEFA Cup with Inter Milan – and I felt my time was running out.
“It would have been much harder for Harry to leave Spurs – but we both made the move for the same reason. To win trophies.
“Bayern are an exceptional club. For Harry to go there in his prime, as one of the Premier League’s greatest players, is -perfect for him and for Bayern.
“He has spent his entire career with Spurs and hasn’t won a single trophy. That situation will change at Bayern Munich.”
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