A gloom has taken hold across Germany. This was supposed to be Die Mannschaft's rebuild year ahead of hosting the European Championship. But the team is a wreck.
While the inquest continues into the struggles of the national team, the Bundesliga is in rude health thanks in large part to the blistering start of one man.
Cologne boss Steffen Baumgart has heaped praise on Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane ahead of their encounter on Friday, live for free on the Sky Sports App, and also on Sky Sports Mix.
Baumgart's side face a tough test at the Allianz Arena against the Bundesliga's top scorer, who has already amassed 17 goals in his last 11 games since his summer move from Tottenham.
If Kane can continue his sensational form, some are predicting he could break Robert Lewandowski's record of 41 goals in a single Bundesliga season.
If the England captain carries on the way he has started, he is on course to hit 50 goals.
Baumgart told reporters: "He's been phenomenal. I think everyone has observed that since he's been here and I don't think there's been a striker with his rate since the Bundesliga existed.
"It's extraordinary the confidence he exudes too. We can discuss how much he's on the ball, and how much he is not, but when he is there is no doubt that he can do damage.
"He's an absolute asset for the league and it's nice that we have him here. Unfortunately it's not fun for the other sides!"
Kane arrived in Germany on a record-breaking transfer and his sensational goal-scoring run this season has already exceeded expectations and turned him into an instant fan favourite.
The German champions were desperate to bring in a tested scorer to fill the goal-scoring gap created by last year's departure of Lewandowski to Barcelona.
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