```html Bayern Munich: Kompany and Kane, what are the objectives this season? ```

Bayern Munich, the Bundesliga title holders, begin their 2024-2025 season as overwhelming favorites, with odds of 1-7 from bookmakers after 13 titles in 14 years. Their first match pits Munich against Stuttgart this Friday at 8:30 PM, live on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website. Vincent Kompany and his team have already claimed their first trophy of the season, defeating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the German Super Cup last weekend.

A trophy to defend, balancing tradition and new expectations

For the Bavarian club, winning the Bundesliga is now a given. Since 2012, the Munich side has only relinquished the title once, in the 2023-2024 season when Leverkusen went unbeaten domestically. Under Kompany, who arrived from Burnley two years ago, Bayern have dominated the competition with 13 and 16-point margins over second place. Last season, as champions and winners of the German Cup, they made their mark in Europe with 184 goals across all competitions, including a record 122 in the Bundesliga and 43 in the Champions League. Their Champions League campaign, however, ended in the semi-finals against PSG (6-5 over two legs). Constantin Eckner, a specialist in German football, believes Kompany isn’t under pressure to win the Champions League this season: *“The club hierarchy is very satisfied with him and the team’s progress. As long as they fight for a top-four finish in Europe, they’re happy. He has restored stability to the managerial position after a period where the club went through seven coaches in eight years.”* The Belgian manager, already regarded as one of the best in the world, still has room for improvement, according to Eckner: *“Matches like the one against PSG showed there are still things he can learn.”*

Harry Kane, between records and the Ballon d’Or

Harry Kane, who joined Bayern from Tottenham in 2022, quickly found his footing at the club. The English striker, who had never won a club or international trophy before, soon considered retiring in Bavaria after collecting a few medals. "When I left, I admit I thought about it. The desire to return isn’t as strong as it once was," he said last week. At 33, Kane has already scored 146 goals and provided 33 assists in 147 matches for the Bavarians—a record-breaking season (61 goals in 51 games). He has won the European Golden Shoe twice (2024 and 2026) and the German Golden Shoe in 2025, before scoring all three goals in the German Cup final against Stuttgart to complete the 2026 double. Uli Hoeneß, the club’s honorary president, didn’t hesitate to call him "the best transfer in Bayern’s history." Constantin Eckner added, "Many fans believe he could win the Ballon d’Or. The club is advocating for him, and it’s also a message to the younger Michael Olise: leaving for Real Madrid wouldn’t be necessary to win the award." Aware of the stakes, Kane remains measured: "The Ballon d’Or is the greatest individual title there is. I don’t control the decision—it all depends on the votes and the press. I’ve done what I had to do on the pitch." He had also stated in November, "I could score 100 goals this season, but if we don’t win the Champions League or the World Cup, I probably won’t get the Ballon d’Or."

A stable squad, but challenges ahead

Bayern has prioritized continuity this summer, making only two major signings: German left-back Nathaniel Brown from Eintracht Frankfurt for around £47 million and Moroccan versatile player Ismael Saibari from PSV for £43 million. Brown even scored on his debut in the DFL-Supercup. Saibari, capable of playing in midfield or attack, has already impressed at the World Cup with three goals. On the departures side, the club let go of German Leon Goretzka (31) and Portuguese Raphael Guerreiro (32), while Nicolas Jackson returned to Chelsea after his loan. The biggest uncertainty remains Jamal Musiala, 23, who suffered from "neurological dysfunctions" causing dizziness in two preseason friendlies this summer. "I’m receiving excellent medical care and am very optimistic," he reassured, with the club and his loved ones supporting him. With an offense still as formidable as ever, Bayern Munich will have to manage absences and sky-high expectations—balancing domestic dominance with European ambitions. A new season under the banner of excellence, where every detail will matter.