Equally as important, but still far less heralded by many football lovers, are players like Lahm. These players, often captains, represent an extension of the manager’s philosophy on the pitch. When a team is sent out onto the battlefield this sort of player is the closest thing to a manager’s lieutenant.
Therefore, it speaks volumes that when Pep Guardiola ended his post-Barcelona sabbatical to take the reins at Bayern, he quickly identified Lahm as his highest ranking officer. Lahm himself, was more than happy to take up the promotion.
“There was the chance to do something new, to move into midfield, and I was excited by the possibility. I played there in youth football, and had filled in in midfield before, so it wasn’t totally new,” he revealed.
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