Lahm backs Bayern´s unity

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm is hoping his side’s team spirit can lead them to a UEFA Champions League title.

With the likes of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Mario Gomez in their side, the Bavarian giants have one of the best squads in Europe.

And with the 2012 final to be held at the Allianz Arena in Munich – Bayern’s home stadium – the motivation for Jupp Heynckes’ side to at least reach the final is high.

“It’s absolutely crucial to play as a team and to have a real core to the side,” Lahm said.

“That’s so important these days in football. We certainly have that here, and it gives us the means to go and beat the big teams.”

“We will have to see whether it will be enough for us to win the title or reach the Champions League final, but the team is still very much in development.”

“We don’t want to just be in the occasional semi-final or final of the Champions League, we want to win it, and I think that’s a good attitude to have.”

Lahm was speaking from Bayern’s winter training camp in Dubai, where the squad is hoping to recharge ahead of a busy second half of the season.

They currently top the Bundesliga table by three points, with Borussia Dortmund and Schalke 04 both just three points adrift.

Lahm feels last season’s champions, Dortmund, will provide Bayern with their toughest test.

“I think Dortmund are our biggest rivals,” he said.

“They’re a very tough team to break down, like last season. But I believe that we are our own biggest threat.”

“No team can live with us if we play at the top of our game and play our football, so I don’t see why we can’t go on to win the championship.”

Bayern’s league season resumes on January 20 when they travel to the fourth-placed Borussia Monchengladbach.