INTERVIEW: Makaay not concerned with Bayern's striker depth, holds squad among Champions League favourites
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MÜNCHEN (Bulinews) Roy Makaay is not concerned about the lack of depth at striker in Vincent Kompany's squad. The former FC Bayern marksman believes several players can cover for Harry Kane in the event of an emergency.
“I haven’t spoken with Harry [Kane] about it, but I don’t think he likes to be on the bench that often. Kompany has given him some rest [here and there] which is perfect," Makaay told Bulinews.com and other media at a round table event.
“If the game [result] is clear, you can almost give him the day off. I think [the lack of depth at striker] is why they signed [Ismael] Saibari as well. I know Saibari from the Dutch league, he was really amazing last season.
“He can play several positions. Of course, he prefers to play the number 10 role, but for the Moroccan national team he is the striker. I think [Serge] Gnabry has played as a striker for the [German] national team as well.
“Last year, they had solutions like [Nicolas] Jackson, this year that’s why they bought Saibari because he can cover a lot [of positions]. Luis Diaz was maybe the only one on the left wing, even if Phonzie Davies can play there.
“Last year, he [Davies] was injured as well, so with the signings of [Nathaniel] Brown and Saibari there are more possibilities to replace Harry Kane if he needs a rest,” the 51-year-old double Bundesliga winner explained.
Delving into the UEFA Champions League and Bayern's chances of picking up the title for the first time since 2020, Makaay believes the German record champions are right in the mix but may need some good fortune in the knockout draw.
“They are one of the top teams like Paris [Saint-Germain]. Like last season, it’s the most difficult [competition] to win because you have 5 or 6 teams who could win it,” said Makaay, who was unlucky not to lift the trophy in his playing career.
“It depends a little bit on the draw because all the big teams were on one side like Man City, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern and PSG. Of course, the first goal for Bayern is making the top 8 to avoid the extra [qualifying] game.
“Sure, you need a little bit of luck in the draw [for the knockouts] as well, but I can see them winning it. Of course, PSG, Real Madrid, Barcelona are playing really well, but [Bayern] have the team to win it,” he concluded.
