Champions League 2023-24: Harry Kane names 3 favorites to win trophy this season
Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane reckons his Bundesliga side, Manchester City and Real Madrid are the three frontrunners to win the Champions League this season.
Kane joined Bayern from Tottenham Hotspur in a £100 million deal this summer with hopes of finally obtaining trophy success. The England captain is yet to win silverware despite being regarded as one of Europe's most formidable frontmen.
The 30-year-old has joined the reigning Bundesliga champions and a club familiar with Champions League glory. The Bavarians have won the European title on six occasions, and Kane reckons they will be in the hunt this season.
Kane has talked up his side's credentials but has also acknowledged the threat of reigning champions City and all-time record holders Madrid, telling Marca:
"Favorites to win the Champions League? I'm not so sure, of course, you have to mention Manchester City as the current champions. Then there is Real Madrid with it’s fantastic history, and, I think, Bayern is also among the favorites.”
Bayern last won Europe's elite club competition in 2020 when they beat Paris Saint-Germain 1-0 in the final. Thomas Tuchel's men have been drawn in Group A this season alongside Manchester United, Galatasaray and FC Copenhagen.
City have started the defence of their crown with a comfortable 3-1 win against Red Star Belgrade. They're in Group G alongside Red Star, RB Leipzig and Young Boys.
The Cityzens romped to their first European title last season, beating Bayern (quarterfinals) and Madrid (semifinls). Many reckon Pep Guardiola's treble winners will make it back-to-back Champions League wins after they finally put their European hoodoo behind them.
However, Madrid are the record holders, winning the competition 14 times. Carlo Ancelotti's men won the tournament in 2022 but have been drawn in an intriguing Group C comprising Serie A champions Napoli, Union Berlin and Braga.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti backs Manchester City as Champions League favourites
Ancelotti has also given his take on who he expects to be challenging for the Champions League this season. The Madrid boss reckons Guardiola's City are the favourites to win the trophy for a second consecutive season
"Manchester City? I think they're the favourites to win the Champions League. They won last year and have a good squad."
The Cityzens made winning Europe's elite club competition look easy last season going unbeaten throughout the campaign. The reigning European champions beat Madrid 5-1 on aggregate in the semifinals and Bayern 4-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals.
They have made a scintillating start to the new season, with five wins from as many league games. Erling Haaland, Phil Foden and Rodri have been in superb form while 2022 FIFA World Cup winner Julian Alvarez has also come to the fore.