Bayern's Subdued Display Earns 'Punishment' in Unexpected Loss, Claims Kane

Harry Kane, the forward for Bayern Munich, stated that his team suffered "punishment" due to insufficient vigour during their surprising 2-1 defeat to Augsburg on Saturday, marking their initial Bundesliga setback since March.

The top of the table Bayern had only relinquished four out of 54 potential points this term and encountered a faltering Augsburg side hovering close to relegation, who had recently dismissed their manager Sandro Wagner.

The home team took the lead via a header from Hiroki Ito yet trailed after goals from Arthur Chaves and Han-Noah Massengo of Augsburg in rapid sequence.

This marked merely Bayern's second loss across all tournaments this season and ended a 27-game unbeaten streak in the Bundesliga, though they maintain a solid advantage over runners-up Borussia Dortmund.

England's skipper Kane declared that his squad "would avoid excuses" post-loss, informing journalists that "they (Augsburg) merited the victory in the latter period.

"We showed a shortage of vitality. Our ball movement lacked smoothness, and fair play to them, they applied greater intensity which complicated matters for us."

Kane noted that Bayern had "no opportunity to dwell" and "would prevent this loss from shaping our campaign".

Solely Bayer Leverkusen, during the 2023-24 season, achieved a full Bundesliga term without a defeat, yet Kane indicated that such an unbeaten record never crossed his thoughts.

"It was never brought up, particularly not by the coach," Kane remarked.

"Our goal remains securing the Bundesliga crown. Naturally, I am aware of the occasional chatter about extending winless periods.

"However, as demonstrated today, should you not be fully attuned or at peak condition, you risk punishment regardless of the opponent, be it home or away. This ought to serve as a lesson for us."

Bayern have already advanced to the Champions League knockout stage yet could confirm a top-two position by not losing to PSV Eindhoven in their concluding league phase fixture on Wednesday.