Bayern Munich’s first title treble can mark the start of an era as they aim to become the Spain of club football, captain Philipp Lahm said in an interview published on Saturday.
Lahm told the Sueddeutsche Zeitung paper that long-term contracts of key players and the arrival of new coach Pep Guardiola are key ingredients for a bright future for Munich, who won the Champions League, Bundesliga and German cup in the past campaign.
Spain won three major trophies in a row at the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2008 and 2012, and Lahm expects similar great things in Munich.
“Now it will be about what we all want, to turn this memorable year into an era. Our best years are yet to come, even though this may sound strange after the treble,” Lahm said.
“The situation with a functioning team put together on a long-term basis is perfect for a coach like Guardiola. With him we have the chance to become the Spain of club football, a team that can collect titles over several years.
“It is great that such a renowned coach arrives. That prevents everyone from resting on the three titles ... I am convinced that his work will bring us forward. He will explain precisely how we can improve,” he said.
Lahm named Guardiola “a world-class coach” but also heaped praise on departing Jupp Heynckes who played “a deciding role” in the success run because “he achieved that every player felt important” in a large squad.
