#21 Philipp Lahm

[Poldi]

Great news! To make this sad day a little happier....

[USBayernMunichFan]

Hip, Hip ... Hoooray!!!

[Vargas_4]

Philipp Lahm cut an upbeat figure when he faced the press for the first time after returning to the club from vacation on Thursday, although that is typical of the chirpy and effervescent local-born lad. Far from moping over Germany's Euro 2008 final defeat in Vienna, the man named in the tournament all-star team came across as highly motivated and ready for the new campaign.

"I'm top fit," he declared. The cut on the foot he sustained in the final against Spain "has healed well," he reported, and the two and a half week break since Germany's defeat to Spain had been "totally sufficient" to recharge the batteries ready for the tasks ahead.

Impressed by changes

Lahm was as impressed as the entire squad by the new performance centre, although he was not unprepared for his first visit: "I saw the pictures on fcbayern.de. It's become really great here.“

The 24-year-old is also a fan of the innovative approach favoured by Jürgen Klinsmann, as "specialist coaches for different areas are vital for your development as an individual. I think it's all very positive, and I like Klinsmann's style.“

Looking to the future

The conditions are ideal for a potentially glorious campaign, but Lahm knows other factors are in play when it comes to the Champions League. "Many great teams have failed to win the Champions League at the first attempt," he explained, "there's a process leading up to winning the trophy." The task was to start that long-term process as of now.

This way of thinking persuaded Lahm to sign a contract extension at the end of last season, keeping him in Munich until 2012. "Big things are beginning to happen here and I want to be part of it," he declared.

Candidate for captain

The player is ready to assume greater responsibility, including the captaincy if so required: "I'm ready for the job. I feel I'm accepted here at the club and in the dressing room.“ However, he fully understood it was the coach's decision, and his priorities lie elsewhere in any case. "I want trophies," he emphasised, a typical cheeky grin playing across his boyish features.

Local boy Lahm predicts long-term success

[RunX]

Lahm: My dream of European glory

Philipp Lahm is diminutive in stature, but at the table tennis tables on the terrace outside the performance centre, the 24-year-old is the giant of the senior squad. The locally-born FCB youth product has his eye on triumphs on the football field too. fcbayern.de spoke exclusively to Lahm about his position in the back four, the club captaincy and his targets with Bayern.

Interview: Philipp Lahm

fcbayern.de: Philipp, you’re the squad table tennis champion. Has anyone actually beaten you yet?
Lahm: “I’ve lost a game or two but not a match. But I’ve only played Andi Ottl up to now and he’s getting better. I’ve got him under control for the moment.“

fcbayern.de: Along with the other Euro 2008 stars, you were one of the last back in training. How fit are you at the moment?
Lahm: “We’re actually doing pretty well in terms of fitness, because we only had two and a half weeks holiday after all. But we lack the rhythm you get from playing – we’ve not had that many matches.“

fcbayern.de: You’ve appeared at left-back rather than right-back in friendlies so far. Which do you prefer?
Lahm: “I regard right-back as my best position, but I have no problems at all with playing on the left, as everyone saw at the Euro. And I’ve never said I don’t want to play on the left. I’m flexible.“

fcbayern.de: You signed a contract extension with Bayern back in May. How much did Jürgen Klinsmann’s appointment have to do with that?
Lahm: “Obviously I knew Jürgen Klinsmann from the national team, but it wasn’t really a factor. I just want to play successful football, so the club and its philosophy as a whole were the main factors. I’ve won the German league and Cup twice now, so my goal for the future is success in Europe. I think that’s possible in the coming seasons, especially as we strengthen the team when and where necessary. The new performance centre has made things even more professional too.“

fcbayern.de: Where do Bayern stand internationally?
Lahm: “We’re on course, but teams need time to gel. Recent Champions League winners have all been clubs who, step-by-step if you like, have made the quarter-finals, the semi-finals and then the final – and even that’s no guarantee of victory. Take last year’s final between Manchester and Chelsea. Both have gone a long way in recent years, but only one can take home the trophy.“

fcbayern.de: Bayern’s triumph in 2001 was similar: the team back then made the semis and even the final in preceding years before finally going all the way in 2001.
Lahm: “That’s right. History shows how difficult it is to make the Champions League final and then win it. Chelsea have been waiting for years.“

fcbayern.de: In your contract negotiations you clearly spoke about winning the Champions League. What made you express your feelings so openly?
Lahm: “I’m simply ambitious, I want to win and succeed in whatever sport I play. I boast a couple of years as a Germany international now, so it’s part of my responsibility to express my thoughts and targets. That’s why I pulled no punches in the negotiations.“

fcbayern.de: You came across as a potential captain.
Lahm: (laughs) “No, I came over just the way I am: success-oriented and ambitious.“

fcbayern.de: You’ve publicly said you could imagine being club captain.
Lahm: “The media has blown it up out of all proportion. I was first asked whether I could imagine being captain about nine months ago. Obviously I thought about it, but I never said I’d end up as captain. As I said, I have some experience now, I’ve played in the Champions League, I’m a Germany regular – so I’d certainly trust in my ability to be captain.“

fcbayern.de: Would that be special for you as a native of Munich?
Lahm: “Oliver Kahn was captain here for years. He was someone you always looked up. It’ll be a great honour for whoever succeeds him. Naturally, it would be really terrific for me, because I was born in Munich and I came through the youth system at the club.“

Lahm: My dream of European glory

[Trim]

LAHM: SUCCESS WILL COME

Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm believes it is only a matter of time before his club start dominating in Germany again.

It has been a tough start to the season for the record German champions and coach Jurgen Klinsmann has come under fire recently.

But Lahm has called for a little more patience and has set a target of being back at the top of the Bundesliga by the halfway point of the season.

"I am absolutely convinced that we will be right up at the top come the winter break, in first position," he said.

"Sooner or later we will become a solid team.

"As soon as the coach has the team working with his philosophy, then the wagon will start rolling again."

Bayern have made their worst start to a season in 31 years and languish seven points behind leaders Hamburg, but Lahm is refusing to sound the alarm bells, as some factions of the club's supporters have done.

Calls for Klinsmann to be sacked were heard at the Allianz Arena towards the end of their 3-3 draw with Bochum a fortnight ago and the former Germany international is under pressure going into Saturday's clash at Karlsruhe.

"There are still 10 games before the winter break and a lot is possible," added Lahm in the local Tz newspaper.

"Only wins can help and I am convinced we will get one in Karlsruhe - 100% convinced."

SportingLife.com

[RunX]

Bayern Sweating Over Lahm Injury

Bayern's impressive 3-0 victory over Fiorentina on Tuesday came at a cost, as Philipp Lahm suffered what could prove to be a significant injury.

The Germany defender did not make it out for the second 45 minutes after having taken a knock to his right calf just before the half-time whistle.

"It was very painful for him," Jürgen Klinsmann told the club's official website. "We hope that it doesn't turn out to be something serious."

Lahm will undergo a thorough examination by Bayern's chief medic Müller-Wohlfahrt later on Wednesday.

On a more positive note, Lahm was replaced at the half by Christian Lell, who was making his comeback almost a month after tearing a thigh muscle. He only just started training with the team again last Thursday..

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Bayern Sweating Over Lahm Injury

[Vargas_4]

Here's where we get fucked for letting Jansen go.

[RunX]

Originally Posted by Vargas_4

Here's where we get fucked for letting Jansen go.

Yeah its right, The last news says that He will be available in the middle of next month!

Lets see Lell as a left back, if it doesnt work, I think Ze Roberto can play as a left back.

[Trim]

Foot in plaster
Lahm facing up to injury lay-off

Bayern defender Philipp Lahm will be out of action for an as yet unspecified spell after injuring his right ankle in Tuesday’s 3-0 Champions League victory over Fiorentina, FCB medical chief Dr Hans-Wilhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt announced after examining the player on Wednesday morning.

“We hope it’s not too drawn-out, but we’re counting on being without him for the next two or three matches,” reported coach Jürgen Klinsmann. “I’m assuming I’ll be playing again before the winter break, although we haven’t had the final diagnosis yet,” Lahm himself explained.

Lahm not shocked

The German international’s right foot has been put in plaster as a precaution. He will report back to Dr Müller-Wohlfahrt in around a week for a further examination and the drawing up of a timetable towards a comeback.

Lahm remained composed despite the setback. “It’s a shame when you’re forced to take a break, but it’s not come as a shock. I’ve had much worse,” Lahm told FCB.tv. The 24-year-old has already overcome a stress fracture of the foot, a torn cruciate ligament and elbow ligament damage in his professional career.

Plenty of alternatives

The full-back sustained the latest injury after half an hour of Tuesday’s European tie. “It was just about OK until half-time, but then it became too painful to continue,” revealed Lahm, who was replaced by Christian Lell for the second period.

“He did a good job,” Klinsmann said in reference to Lell, who is now likely to continue as a stand-in at left-back: “We know he can fill the position.“ Klinsmann’s other alternatives would be to revert to a three-man back-line including Daniel van Buyten, or to have Zé Roberto help out at left-back. “We’ll have a think about it over the next few days,” the Bayern boss said, “although we’re aware we have no like-for-like replacement for Philipp in his position.“

FC Bayern


Vargas_4 said it well: Here's where we get fucked for letting Jansen go.

Put whoever you want in left back, he won't do the job as good as Lahm does it. I hope he recovers quickly.

[vampyrian]

First thing that came to mind was 'Oh no!'.:/ Now it's 'oh fuck no!':/

Letting Jansen go was indeed one of the dumbest transfers I've ever seen, not that I've been following football for decades but still come on.:/ Letting him go after just one year for a million less and to a fucking rival. Who the hell does that kind of shit?=S Not to mention he was our only LB (besides Lahm of course). + It's not like Bayern really needed the money.:/ Ah well. Fingers crossed his injury clears up soon.

[Trim]

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge on the injury to Philipp Lahm:

“Losing Philipp is obviously a blow. He’s easily the best left-back in the league and one of the best in Europe, and he’s had a great season so far. Obviously we’ll miss him over the four weeks he’s likely to be out, but there’s nothing we can change now. His place will probably go to Christian Lell, an experienced Bundesliga player, who we’re glad to see back from injury.“

FC Bayern

[RunX]

Hope that Lell is the perfect sub for Lahm.

[BlackNess]

Originally Posted by RunX

Hope that Lell is the perfect sub for Lahm.

you don't know Lell ??


I hope he won't fuck it up ... perfect is not discussed in here.

[RunX]

Originally Posted by BlackNess

you don't know Lell ??


I hope he won't fuck it up ... perfect is not discussed in here.

Lol, I know that he is not a copy of Lahm
But may he improves, Lets see.

[Trim]

'I’m ready again’
Lahm poised for weekend comeback

In Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz, November the eleventh is a very special day, as it marks the start of the so-called ‘fifth season’ of the year, the period known as Karneval or Fasching which culminates on Rose Monday and Mardi Gras on the eve of Lent. The date is not without significance at Bayern either, as it is Germany international Philipp Lahm’s birthday.

The Munich native and FCB youth product turned 25 on Tuesday. And what was top of his birthday wish-list this year? “More than anything else, I want to stay fit,” Lahm replied. The full-back has just recovered fitness after a foot injury.

Praise for deputy

Lahm sustained the injury in Bayern’s home Champions League meeting with Fiorentina three weeks ago, but he is healthy again now and raring to go. “I’m ready again, and I guess I’ll be playing on Saturday,” he said.

Lahm resumed the squad training programme last Friday. A return in Sunday’s trip to Schalke was deemed too early, but he is determined to feature when Bayern travel to Monchengladbach next Saturday. The Germany international praised Zé Roberto, his stand-in over the last three weeks: “Zé did really well at left-back.“

The man who came third at the 2006 World Cup with Germany is impressed with the progress made by the FCB team recently. “It’s improved a lot. We’re not conceding as often, but there are still a few things we need to do better.“ A run of five consecutive Bundesliga victories had done wonders for the team’s self-confidence. “Our rivals have spotted we’re there or thereabouts again at the top.“ Lahm is now keen to play his part in Bayern moving back to the summit in the standings.

FC Bayern