Bayern Munich Bench Harry Kane for Ballon d'Or Celebration
The English striker sat out a 6-1 German Cup win over Magdeburg while the club managed his workload ahead of a key fixture against Borussia Dortmund.
By Daniela Ortega ·
Harry Kane won the Ballon d'Or on Monday, marking a historic achievement for English football. Two days later, Bayern Munich kept the 33-year-old striker on the bench for the entirety of its German Cup match.
The Bavarian club defeated second-tier Magdeburg 6-1 on Wednesday at the Allianz Arena. Resting Kane allowed the team to manage his physical load before a dense schedule of domestic and European games. He received a guard of honor from his teammates before kickoff and waved to the home supporters as he walked onto the pitch.
Kane is the first English player to claim the individual award since Michael Owen in 2001. He is also the first Bayern Munich player to win it in 45 years. Additionally, he is the first recipient to be playing for a German club since 1996. Fans plan to honor him again before Saturday's Bundesliga match against Borussia Dortmund. Both teams are currently level on points at the top of the league table.
Bayern controlled the game despite early resistance from the visitors. Magdeburg's Ismael Saibari scored to equalize the score briefly and struck the crossbar right before the first half ended. Michael Olise scored twice for the hosts, with his goals bracketing the Magdeburg goal.
The second half saw Bayern extend their lead significantly. Alphonso Davies and Nathaniel Brown found the net within three minutes of each other. Teenager David Santos Daiber added a sixth goal in stoppage time to secure the final margin.
Assistant coach Aaron Danks managed the team from the sideline for the second straight match. Head coach Vincent Kompany collapsed during a training session last week and was hospitalized. Board member Max Eberl confirmed on Wednesday that Kompany has been discharged from the hospital.
Eberl stated that Kompany suffered from meningeal irritation. The Belgian coach will rest and take medication before returning to the touchline. No specific return date has been announced, and medical clearance is required before he resumes his duties.
Source: Al Jazeera
