When you write a book entitled ‘The Subtle Difference- How to become a great footballer’, you had better know what you’re talking about.
And it has to be said, author, Bayern Munich and Germany skipper Phillipp Lahm certainly does.
For years considered one of the best fullbacks in the business, when the softly spoken Lahm speaks, people listen.
And ahead of Bayern Munich’s Champions League last-16 second leg tie against Arsenal tonight, what Lahm says offers little comfort to the Gunners.
Taking into account Bayern’s 3-1 away win in the first leg, and the Bavarian side’s imperious form, Lahm says Arsenal have little to no chance of surviving in the Champions League tonight.
While the wing-back acknowledges that Arsenal are a top team, he thinks their European season is destined to come grinding to a halt at the daunting Allianz Arena tonight.
"I'd say they are one of the better teams in Europe but right at the top level? I don't think so," said Lahm, when asked if he could see Arsenal fighting back to take their place among Europe’s top-eight sides this season.
Bayern are expected to join Borussia Dortmund in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and by knocking out Arsenal will end British hopes in the competition for the season, unless you count David Beckham’s presence at PSG.
And Lahm says while it is odd that no more English teams are left standing, he is not surprised that the Premier League has been caught up, and caught out.
"It is a surprise to have no English teams in the quarter-finals," said Lahm.
"They have a strong league and have gone far in the past but a lot of teams have caught up. We are here, Dortmund are here."
