Schnitzel-fuelled Kane has Bayern hungry for history

Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane shared a secret drive fuelling his outstanding performance this season with the Bundesliga powerhouse: a schnitzel delivered for each goal he nets.

Following an exceptional start to the campaign that sets a new benchmark in German league records, Kane and his team welcome regional opponents Augsburg this weekend.

Boasting only a single defeat across 29 outings, Bayern eye a groundbreaking third treble, surpassing any club on the continent.

In the top flight, they have surrendered merely four points so far, matching the finest record at this point, while netting an unprecedented 71 strikes at a rate of 3.94 per match.

Leading the Bundesliga by 11 points, they have advanced to the Champions League knockout phase with a game in hand and reached the German Cup quarter-finals.

The Three Lions skipper explained that a nearby eatery in southern Munich sends his beloved Austrian speciality, schnitzel, after every goal.

With 34 tallies this term, including 21 in league play, Kane's sharp shooting has spared his home cook considerable effort.

"It has turned into a tradition," Kane noted on Wednesday.

"I do not consume all of them myself, yet they arrive and my family or guests at home savour them."

Kane mentioned this custom helps him integrate into the local scene and connect with neighbours, though he conceded the venue likely did not anticipate his prolific output when proposing the deal.

In a chat with German outlet TZ, the eatery's proprietor, a fervent Bayern supporter, revealed he hands over the meal in person, greeting the guards with: "Hello, I am the schnitzel fellow."

"It began as a supporter tribute, but evolved into routine," the owner stated, adding that Kane receives no extras for international goals with England.

After securing his first team honour via last year's Bundesliga crown, Kane craves additional accolades.

His 21 strikes position him to threaten Robert Lewandowski's 41-goal Bundesliga mark from 2020-21.

Meanwhile, runners-up Borussia Dortmund aim to recover from a frustrating Champions League setback against Tottenham when they travel to Union Berlin.

Player to follow: Yan Diomande

Youngster Yan Diomande reaffirmed his status as RB Leipzig's emerging talent, merely a year into his senior European stint.

During last week's clash with Bayern Munich, the teen winger dominated the right flank, showcasing dazzling footwork, speed, and vision, remarkable given his recent time in America's fourth-division leagues.

Post a brief 10-game spell at Leganes that culminated in La Liga demotion, Leipzig acquired the 19-year-old for around 20 million euros (23 million dollars) last summer.

In discussions with AFP and fellow journalists, Leipzig's director of sport Marcel Schaefer described how his squad, including Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp and tech lead Mario Gomez, analysed the metrics and acted swiftly.

"The figures caught our eye, so we delved deeper with footage and in-person viewings, which we pursued," Schaefer remembered.

"We decided this lad tops our list; we must have him. Paying extra beyond estimates does not faze us.

"I consulted Jurgen Klopp and Mario Gomez, both reviewing stats and highlights, urging 'proceed, proceed!'"

Essential figures

38 - Mid-table Eintracht Frankfurt, in seventh, have bagged 38 Bundesliga goals this season, outpacing all but Bayern's haul of 71.

39 - Yet Frankfurt have let in 39, the highest concession rate in the division.

0 - Across 15 encounters in various tournaments, Dortmund and Union Berlin have never drawn; Dortmund claim 11 victories to Union's four.

Schedule (1430 GMT except noted)

Friday

St Pauli versus Hamburg (1930)

Saturday

Bayern Munich versus Augsburg, Heidenheim versus RB Leipzig, Mainz versus Wolfsburg, Bayer Leverkusen versus Werder Bremen, Eintracht Frankfurt versus Hoffenheim, Union Berlin versus Borussia Dortmund (1730)

Sunday

Borussia Moenchengladbach versus Stuttgart, Freiburg versus Cologne (1630)