Even without its newly crowned Ballon d’Or winner Harry Kane, FC Bayern put on an offensive spectacle. In their decisive 6-1 DFB Cup victory over 1. FC Magdeburg, the top English striker sat on the bench for the entire 90 minutes. After the final whistle, sporting director Max Eberl and interim coach Aaron Danks explained why the Munich team deliberately chose not to play their superstar.

Kane had every reason to hope for a substitution. The 33-year-old warmed up several times during the match but ultimately did not see any action.

For many Bayern fans, this was a minor disappointment. After all, the spectators at the Allianz Arena would have loved to celebrate their newly crowned World Player of the Year on the field one more time.

From a sporting perspective, however, resting him was easily feasible. Munich had the game firmly under control by halftime at the latest and no longer needed their star striker.

Eberl confirms: Kane was rested partly because of Dortmund

After the cup victory, Eberl was asked about the Englishman’s surprising absence from the lineup.

When asked whether the decision was related to Kane’s heavy workload and the upcoming Bundesliga classic against Borussia Dortmund, the Bayern boss answered unequivocally. “Yes, both. We also have to look ahead to the next challenges—that’s clear,” Eberl explained.

The sporting director thus confirmed that the Munich club already has its sights set on the upcoming challenges.

The prestigious showdown against BVB is scheduled for Saturday. It’s therefore crucial for the record champions that Kane goes into the match as well-rested as possible.

Danks reveals: Kane was informed before the game

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Aaron Danks, who continues to stand in for head coach Vincent Kompany while he is ill, provided even more detail. The Englishman made it clear that the decision wasn’t solely related to the upcoming matches.

“It wasn’t just about Dortmund and Madrid, but if you look at Harry’s minutes played, he played every game for England during the last international break, so it’s been a long time since we’ve had the opportunity to sit him out of a game,” Danks explained.

The decision to rest him had therefore already been discussed with Kane beforehand. “So I spoke with him when he came back from the Ballon d’Or ceremony about him sitting out this game, but he was ready and prepared in case we needed him.”

Kane could have helped his team at any time if needed. Given the lopsided score, however, that wasn’t necessary.

Danks also used the opportunity to give other offensive players playing time and responsibility. “We have to trust the entire squad and show everyone that we believe in them. And I thought they were in good form tonight and seized their chance, so we’re really satisfied.”

For Bayern, the plan worked out perfectly. The record champions advanced confidently to the Round of 16, while Kane got some much-needed rest after his intense international break and the Ballon d’Or celebrations.

This article was translated into English by AI. You can read the original version here https://fcbinside.de/2026/10/29/weltfussballer-auf-der-bank-darum-wurde-harry-kane-im-pokal-geschont/.