Max Eberl said Bayern Munich had an advantage in assessing Michael Olise because Oliver Glasner was coaching him at Crystal Palace at the time and Christoph Freund knows Glasner well, before the club held conversations with the player himself. Speaking to the magazine "Sabiner 51", Eberl also said Harry Kane grew into an influential figure in the dressing room after a speech following Bayern's 1-4 defeat by Barcelona in Vincent Kompany's first season.
How Bayern assessed Olise
Speaking to the magazine "Sabiner 51", Max Eberl said: "To get to know a footballer, you need above all to talk to people who have known him, whether they are team-mates or opponents."
Max Eberl said: "In Michael's case, we had an advantage in that Oliver Glasner was his coach at Crystal Palace at the time, and that Christoph Freund, our sporting director, knows Glasner well."
Max Eberl said: "When a coach tells you: of course, take him, take him, you start to wonder. But Glasner said: he still has a lot to learn, and we need him. That showed us how much he valued Michael. Then came our conversations with the player himself, as talking to him about football is a real pleasure."
What Eberl said about the deal
Max Eberl said: "Honestly, we knew we were signing a left-footed winger at a high level, one who suits Bayern Munich's profile. But for it to become clear that he is such an exceptional player, that is something different. The value of the deal was expected because of the release clause in his contract, and his development is also down to the environment around him and the team he plays with."
Kane's speech after Barcelona defeat
Eberl said Bayern were beaten 1-4 by Barcelona in Kompany's first season. He said: "After the match, Vinny asked the team: what do you think about what happened? At that point Harry stood up and delivered a moving speech, going straight to the heart of the matter."
Eberl on Kane's role
Max Eberl said: "In a team suffering from problems, it becomes difficult even for a player like Harry Kane to produce his best level. Now, however, everything around him is going well."
Max Eberl said: "Since then, he has led the team through his performances, and he has never shied away from taking responsibility. We knew him as a frank, world-class striker, but the way he plays today, and the role that the system and his team-mates allow him to perform, is exceptional. He is the best example of what a player can achieve when all the right elements come together."
