Euro 2004, 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, 2010 World Cup, Euro 2012, 2014 World Cup: Philipp Lahm took part in all of them. His summer holidays were correspondingly short. In the past he had three weeks off at most. For the first time in 12 years Germany contest a major tournament without Lahm, who has retired from the national team. A welcome side-effect is that the Bayern skipper has seven weeks off! “I'm looking forward to it,” Lahm reveals in an FCB.tv interview. fcbayern.de presents excerpts.
Philipp Lahm on…
Philipp Lahm on...
…Pep Guardiola: “He’s taken us to another level in terms of tactics. We've lined up with a back three, a back four, a back five. It isn't a matter of course that a team take on Juventus in the Champions League last sixteen without any recognised centre-backs, and that those who deputise in these positions do it so well. The position has to be defined, we have to practise accordingly in training. That's certainly one of the coach's merits. As to the rest, he’s won three German championship titles in a row. That's not to be taken for granted either.”
...successor Carlo Ancelotti: “I'll take it as it comes. He's an experienced coach at the highest international level who’s won the Champions League several times. I'm looking forward to it. I've worked with many top coaches and now I'll have another one. It's nice. An absolute highlight towards the end of my career.”
...his personal goals: “I'd like to win the Champions League one more time. But if that doesn't work out there's nothing I can do about it. I'll always look back on my career thinking it was fun. I had a really great time, but there's still some time to go.” (grins)
...his holiday plans: “I have a long time off so I can do a bit of everything: a few days at the Tegernsee, some travelling. And watch the EURO of course. I'm a fan, I'll enjoy watching a European championship from another perspective again. I'm looking forward to it: have a barbecue, enjoy a beer and keep my fingers crossed for the national team.”