Lahm admits silverware pressure

Bayern stars prepared for big week

By Zain Alvi | 12th May 2012

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has conceded that the prospect of losing two finals within the span of a week will be unacceptable for his side after they conceded the Bundesliga crown to Borussia Dortmund a few weeks ago.

Next Saturday’s Champions League final against Chelsea at home is a spectacle that everyone in Munich is eagerly anticipating but tonight, Lahm and his teammates must face the in-form Dortmund in Berlin for the DFB Pokal.

Reigning champions Dortmund are eyeing their first ever couple double and having lost to the Westphalia outfit each of the last four times the two clubs squared off, Bayern’s Lahm knows that nerves will inevitably get involved tonight.

The last time Lahm won a trophy, it was the league and cup double in 2010. That success was two years ago and the left-back admits that for a big club like Bayern, silverware must be delivered on a consistent basis.

“Now is when the prizes are dished out and we have got to be there. We want titles. If you don’t get a title, then it is not a good season,” Lahm steadfastly told reporters ahead of tonight’s meeting with Dortmund.

Manager Jupp Heynckes backed Lahm in creating a sense of urgency for tonight’s match and hoping that next weekend’s Champions League showpiece does not distract any of his players.

“Of course you cannot get the Champions League final out of the players. But we have two big goals and the players know how to handle themselves,” Heynckes asserted.

Teammates chime in

Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger and striker Mario Gomez, meanwhile, spent their media time wisely by rubbishing suggestions that Bayern are clear favorites against the German champions.

“It’ll be the toughest cup final I’ve played in for Bayern. At the moment, Dortmund are in optimal shape. They’re doing a large number of things right, but I’m absolutely convinced we have the quality to beat them,” Schweinsteiger stated with a balanced approach.

When asked how Bayern plan on celebrating such a big week, the midfielder refused to get carried away and argued: “I’ve not given it any thought whatsoever. What we have to do first of all is concentrate on winning the game.”

Prolific striker Gomez was even more straightforward in his press dealings, suggesting that the DFB Pokal is the top priority due to the impact it can ultimately have on Bayern’s preparations for the Champions League final.

“All that matters is beating Dortmund – nothing else! A couple of days ago, the players stopped talking about the Champions League final. The team isn’t bothered about who we’re playing. We simply want to win the cup,” Gomez emphasized.

“First of all, winning this trophy is very important for the Champions League final, for the mood at the club and next week’s training. And second, it’s the first trophy we can win this season. We’re determined to win it,” the Germany international concluded.