The stage is ready for a season-defining Klassiker as Bayern Munich host Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga on Saturday. Former Bayern captain Philipp Lahm is aware of all concerning the fixture, sharing his views on that in addition to Julian Nagelsmann, Jude Bellingham, Pep Guardiola and Harry Kane in this Q&A…
What makes Bayern Munich versus Borussia Dortmund such a particular rivalry?
“I think it is about the history. The two most successful clubs in Germany and also right now this is first against second in the Bundesliga. The last 10 titles have gone to Bayern, 2011 and 2012 went to Dortmund. They are the two strongest teams. That is the reason why we call it the German Klassiker.”
Saturday 1st April 5:20pm
Kick off 5:30pm
What are your recollections of the 2013 Champions League ultimate between the 2 golf equipment?
“It was a very powerful Klassiker as a result of it was the Champions League ultimate with two German golf equipment. It is like Barca in opposition to Real or Milan in opposition to Inter.
“At this time, Bayern is the highest canine and Dortmund is the challenger. But Dortmund had gained the championship in 2011 and 2012 so it was crucial to not lose the Champions League ultimate in 2013.
“They had also beaten us in 2012 in the German Cup final so the pressure on us was very high for our generation. But it was a great and very important final for us at Bayern Munich.”
Do you assume that elevated the rivalry in the eyes of the world?
“For sure, it is the biggest stage in club football. I think it was the first time that two German teams were in the final. It was very important. Also, for the German players, the experience we had was very important for the national team at the World Cup in 2014.”
What different matches in opposition to Dortmund stand out in your profession?
“In a negative way, the 2012 cup final. We lost 5-2. As a captain at Bayern Munich, when you grew up there, you always have to win. This mindset is very important. So when you lose like that it was shocking. But it was also I think a game changer.
“We misplaced the championship, the cup ultimate and after that the Champions League. After that, we targeted much more on the necessities after this horrible yr.”
Can Dortmund beat Bayern this time?
“Dortmund is in a really robust part. I believe, for the entire Bundesliga, it is vitally good that Dortmund has this era and it is vitally shut on the high. I believe that’s vital for the Bundesliga.
“Because of this phase, Dortmund have confidence. They will come to Munich to win. That is important. But I know Munich. In these top matches, they have the experience and the players. So we will see. I am looking forward to it.”
What are your ideas on Bayern sacking Julian Nagelsmann?
“For me, it was a shock as a result of it was solely 18 to twenty months in the past that Munich gave him a five-year contract. They believed in him. He is a really promising younger coach. But additionally for Bayern Munich their choice is at all times robust as a result of they wish to win and in the event that they see one thing goes unsuitable they act.
“It is not easy for me to speak about the work that he was doing from the outside. But the time was too short, I think. For a coach to develop something in the club, it was too short. The top coaches need time. If I look at Pep [Guardiola] or to [Jurgen] Klopp at Liverpool, he needed time. More than 10, 12, 15 months.”
Bayern have drawn Manchester City in the Champions League…
“It is a quarter-final in the Champions League that has two top teams. That is normal, I think, in the quarter-final. But if you play against your former coach it is special, for sure. Everyone knows Pep’s own signature, I would say. After a few months, you see the Pep style in the team with a lot of ball possession. And the positioning of the players is special.”
Lahm performed below Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich
Do you assume it’s honest that some will say Pep Guardiola has failed if he doesn’t win the Champions League?
“I think it is not about fairness. It is the curse of his success. He won four Premier League titles in five years. It is unbelievable. Everyone asks whether he can win the Champions League outside of Barcelona. I think he will win the Champions League in the future, but maybe when everyone says he will never win it again. Maybe then it will happen.”
What do you consider Harry Kane being linked with Bayern?
“Harry Kane is a game-changing centre-forward, a clear No 9 but also with technical skills. He is a very good striker. I think he would really be an outstanding fit for Bayern Munich. For this position, Bayern has always had very good international strikers like Robert Lewandowski so we will see. I am looking forward to seeing what will happen.”
And has Jude Bellingham impressed you?
“Firstly, he is a very good talented player but he also has the responsibility for the club, for the team. I think he is an outstanding talent.
“What I additionally assume is vital for these high guys is to play week after week at a high membership and Dortmund are a high crew, they play in the Champions League on a regular basis and are preventing for the championship. I’m pleased that the Bundesliga at all times has proficient younger gamers.”
Jamal Musiala and Jude Bellingham are two of the Bundesliga’s high younger skills
Where is the following Bundesliga celebrity coming from?
“The normal places. Bellingham, Jamal Musiala. A German player who was injured is Florian Wirtz, a very young player at Bayer Leverkusen, very good talent. But as I said it is a characteristic of the Bundesliga to have many talented young players.”
How about Union Berlin’s success. Can you clarify it?
“It is always discipline, discipline. That is the most important thing for Union Berlin. They work hard against the ball. And they have very good standards. That is the combination.”
Thoughts on Xabi Alonso’s work at Leverkusen?
“Firstly, I enjoyed playing with him and standing together with him on the pitch because he understands football. It was so good to play with him with his experience on the pitch. And now he has that same passion, the same things he learned as a player, as a coach.”
Lahm and Xabi Alonso throughout their time collectively at Bayern Munich
Who is the following nice full-back in world soccer?
“It is hard to say one name. I think the most important thing is to play at the highest level over years. That is very important. Then, you are a top player at a high level if you can improve but also play every week at a top level.
“We will see who would be the subsequent greatest full-back, but when I look again, Cafu and [Bixente] Lizarazu performed for 20 years in this place. They had large expertise in this place with their golf equipment and likewise their nationwide crew. I believe that is essential.”
Watch Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund stay on Sky Sports Football this Saturday; kick-off 5.30pm
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