Germany

Philipp Lahm: Bayern Munich Have No Football 'Philosophy'

Lahm criticized the lack of direction that FCB have shown in recent seasons, indicating that they should find a formation that they like and stick to it. However, the club's hierarchy have disagreed with the full-back.

Nov 9, 2009 5:37:23 AM

Champions: Sporting Lissabon - Bayern Munich, Philipp Lahm (firo)

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Champions: Sporting Lissabon - Bayern Munich, Philipp Lahm (firo)

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Philipp Lahm

German international Philipp Lahm has expressed his opinion that Bayern Munich are lagging behind the European football giants because they don't have a football "philosophy".

The full-back feels the Bundesliga club must decide on a tactical scheme and then hire the players who fit this framework.

"If you want to measure yourself with Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United, you, as Bayern Munich, need a philosophy. That must be the aim of the club," Lahm told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung.

"Clubs like Manchester United or Barcelona have a system, and then you hire personnel who fit this system. We hired Arjen Robben because he is very good and an international player. But we didn't hire him because we said, 'We will play 4-3-3 from now on.' This doesn't happen here - the club says, 'We will [change our system] now,' and everything is built on that.

"On an continental level you need at least eight players who have learned to play their position, who are confident and competitive. I don't see these eight players here. That has nothing to do with the players, but with a lacking philosophy over the past [few] years," the highly-rated defender continued.

"The club must tell a new coach, 'This is the way we play.' No one in Barcelona would ever play 4-4-2. Barcelona play 4-3-3 - that is a fact.

"I was raised at the club and Munich are dear to me - that's why I am outspoken. I think I am in a position to make these statements. We want to be successful on an international stage and to win titles," Lahm concluded.

However, the Bayern board disagreed with Lahm's comments. The full-back was given a considerable fine for his outburst and was reprimanded by head coach Louis van Gaal and club president Karl-Heinz Rummenigge before training on Sunday.

Stefan Coerts, Goal.com

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