Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel has addressed remarks made by FC Cologne head coach Steffen Baumgart regarding the club’s transfer decisions, Soccernet.ng reports.
Baumgart had suggested that Bayern should have pursued Nigerian striker Victor Boniface instead of acquiring Harry Kane during the summer transfer window.
Bayern Munich made headlines with their £86 million acquisition of Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur.
Cologne boss Baumgart had expressed his reservations about Bayern’s decision to splash a hefty transfer fee on Kane, who was set to become a free agent at the end of the current season. Baumgart noted Boniface, who joined Bayer Leverkusen for £17.4 million, would have been a shrewd addition to the Bavarians’ attack.
Baumgart stated, “In my opinion, the boy [Boniface] is one of the best strikers in Europe. He’s 22 years old, has a good body – you know that his development is far from complete and that there’s a lot more to come from him.”
Both Kane and Boniface have enjoyed a blistering start to their Bundesliga careers.
They both have four goals in their first four league appearances, with Boniface crowning his efforts with the Rookie of the Month and Player of the Month awards.
Responding to Baumgart’s comments, Thomas Tuchel has defended Bayern’s decision to acquire Kane, according to the Mirror.
Tuchel affirmed, “Victor Boniface is a completely different type of striker to Harry Kane. We have exactly the types of players and personalities that we need. We’ll do more to get him even better integrated into our play.”
Tuchel continued, emphasizing the club’s satisfaction with Kane, “At this time, we’re trying to get him more involved in our game. We know it’ll be an absolute success story. We’re more than happy with him. Boniface is a perfect fit for Leverkusen. His power is impressive.”
The clash between Bayer Leverkusen, featuring Victor Boniface, and Bayern Munich certainly lived up to the anticipation.
Kane scored while Boniface impressed as Leverkusen secured a 2-2 draw against the reigning champions.