Bayern Munich have identified Champions League glory as their primary target this season, with Harry Kane insisting that the German giants must finally make it their year after a series of near-misses.

Bayern came painfully close to reaching last season’s final but were beaten by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain in a dramatic semi-final encounter.

PSG claimed a thrilling 5-4 victory in the first leg before holding Bayern to a 1-1 draw in the return fixture in Munich, securing their place in the final.

The French champions went on to defeat Arsenal on penalties in the final, securing their second consecutive Champions League title.

Bayern will now begin their latest pursuit of a seventh European Cup when they welcome Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt on Thursday.

With European success firmly at the top of their agenda, Kane believes Bayern must find a way to overcome the fine margins that have denied them in recent campaigns.

Former Bayern midfielder and 2013 Champions League winner Bastian Schweinsteiger believes the club’s biggest challenge could be squad depth during what is expected to be another demanding season.

Schweinsteiger feels Bayern have the quality to compete for the trophy, but a lack of options across the squad could potentially hinder their hopes of lifting the Champions League for the first time since 2020.

Coach Vincent Kompany has also made European success one of Bayern’s key objectives, alongside their customary dominance in domestic competitions.

“Bayern’s goals are always the highest: winning the Bundesliga, winning the Pokal, winning the Champions League — and maybe even winning every game,” Kompany told the club magazine in August.

Bayern have reached the Champions League semi-finals twice during Kane’s three seasons at the club, but have been unable to progress beyond that stage.

They came particularly close in the 2023/24 campaign, only to suffer a late defeat against Real Madrid, who eventually went on to claim the trophy.

Kane was taken off with Bayern leading by one goal and just six minutes remaining in the second leg against Real Madrid. However, the Spanish side struck twice in the space of three minutes to dramatically overturn the tie.

Despite that disappointment, Kane remains confident about Bayern’s chances of going all the way in Europe this season.

“Yes, we’re really close,” Kane told TNT Sports on Monday when discussing Bayern’s Champions League prospects.

“I think last year was the finest of margins — to go out to a team who has won the Champions League back-to-back. There’s no shame in that.

“We’re coming into this season now saying that it needs to be our year. We need to find a way to get it done.”

‘Luck at the right moment’

Kane has experienced several painful near-misses throughout his career at both club and international level.

Once criticised for failing to win major team trophies, the England captain has now collected five honours since joining Bayern, including two Bundesliga titles and the German Cup. He believes those experiences have taught him what is required to succeed at the highest level.

“It is not just about being the best team. Sometimes you also need a bit of luck at the right moment,” Kane said.

Bayern’s ability to avoid a major injury crisis could prove crucial as they navigate another demanding campaign on multiple fronts.

The German champions strengthened their squad with two significant additions during the summer, prioritising versatility and greater depth.

Ismael Saibari arrived as an option capable of operating anywhere across the forward line, while Germany international Nathaniel Brown has shown his flexibility by featuring at both left-back and in midfield this season.

Schweinsteiger expects Bayern to maintain their dominance in the Bundesliga but believes squad depth could remain a concern, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Jamal Musiala.

Musiala collapsed during pre-season and later revealed that he had been diagnosed with a neurological condition that can cause seizures. However, the Germany international returned to action without any reported problems during Saturday’s goalless draw against Schalke.

“We have to see. There are some suggestions they may still be one or two players short,” Schweinsteiger told AFP.

“The situation with Jamal Musiala is difficult, so it will be interesting how Bayern Munich manage it, because over the course of a season you need strong options from the bench.

“When I think back to the matches against PSG, their options from the bench made a difference in the second leg.

“Luis Enrique made excellent tactical adjustments in the second half of the match in Munich to win and progress.

“In matches like those, Bayern Munich may need to adapt their style of play, because PSG’s attacking players, and indeed the team as a whole, pose a different challenge from those Bayern Munich usually face in the Bundesliga.”