"Like a bad Kane" - Hamann criticizes Bayern new signing

Sharp Criticism from Hamann

However, after his first appearances in a Bayern jersey, Didi Hamann delivered harsh criticism on the TV show "Sky90". "Saibari is a wonderful footballer, but he's too slow. He's not fast, he's like a bad Kane," said the former Liverpool player.

Saibari came on as a substitute in the first three competitive matches of the season. In the goalless draw against Schalke, he was allowed to feature in the starting XI for the first time but was substituted after 57 minutes.

Only in the Bundesliga opener was he able to impress with two assists. The 25-year-old Moroccan was one of the absolute difference-makers for PSV Eindhoven last season. In 27 league games, he scored 15 goals and provided eight assists.

Is the squad stronger than last year?

Even compared to the previous season, the TV pundit doesn't see the squad as being better. The two new signings, Saibari and Nathaniel Brown (who arrived from Frankfurt for 50 million euros), are contrasted by the departures of Raphael Guerreiro, Leon Goretzka, and Nicolas Jackson.

"People always say Bayern are better than last year. They are not better than last year. (...) I wasn't the biggest fan of Jackson, but Jackson's pace is sorely missed."

The Senegalese played on loan from FC Chelsea in Munich last year. This summer, Premier League club Aston Villa paid 55.5 million euros for him.

Lack of Pace Up Front

"Up front, you have Kane, who isn't the fastest. With Saibari, you now have a backup who also isn't the fastest. They say Saibari can play four positions. I believe the only position Saibari can play is behind Kane, because he's too slow out wide. Gnabry is a class better there."

Despite Hamann's criticism, Bayern have once again started the season well. The Supercup against Dortmund was won, they are in the second round of the cup, and the opening match against Stuttgart was convincingly won. Only against Schalke did they drop points.

On Thursday, the German record champions will kick off their Champions League season with a home match against Bodö/Glimt (from 9 PM in the LIVE ticker >>>).