Bayern: Hamann compares Saibari to ‘a poor Kane’

Ismael Saibari is already facing criticism in Germany. Following Bayern Munich’s goalless draw against Schalke 04, Dietmar Hamann delivered a particularly harsh judgment on the positioning and speed qualities of the Moroccan international.

“Saibari is a wonderful footballer, but he is too slow. He is not fast, he resembles a poor Kane,” said the former German international on the show Sky90. Starting at the forefront of the attack in the absence of Harry Kane, the Moroccan was substituted in the 57th minute after a difficult match for the entire Bavarian offensive sector. Sky Sport Germany published a clip of this statement.

Hamann specifically doubts Saibari’s ability to occupy multiple offensive positions: “They say he can play in four positions. I think the only position he can play is behind Kane, because he is too slow to play on the wing. But in that position, Gnabry is a class above.”

This criticism comes after encouraging beginnings for the Moroccan in the Bundesliga. Coming on as a substitute against Stuttgart on the opening day, Saibari provided two assists in Bayern’s 5-1 victory. His more subdued performance against Schalke, in his first league start, has quickly sparked debate in Germany.