Bayern Munich vs Mainz preview - Lahm urges Bayern to plan ahead

Posted Friday, May 22, 2015 by PA

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has expressed his concern about the club's long-term prospects as he prepares to lift the Bundesliga for a third year in a row this weekend.

The Bavarians have proven to be in a league of their own in the past three seasons, winning a league, cup and Champions League treble under Jupp Heynckes in 2013 before clinching a domestic double under Pep Guardiola last term.

This year they will end the season with only the Bundesliga to celebrate - and they will be handed the trophy this Saturday following their game with Mainz - but Lahm is worried that not enough is being done to sustain their successful period.

"With an overnight revolution, I can see a lot of danger that things don't work out," said the 31-year-old who, like Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Xabi Alonso and Bastian Schweinsteiger is approaching the end of his playing career.

"You can't just get rid of five players and bring in five new ones."

Instead, Lahm believes Bayern should already be planning for their retirements by bringing in new, younger players, even if he insists the "current team are still good enough to win one more Champions League."

They have not shown that in recent weeks, uncharacteristically losing three Bundesliga matches in a row since wrapping up the title.

That has drawn widespread criticism from some of the teams in relegation trouble, particularly in view of Freiburg's unexpected 2-1 win last weekend, although there would probably be no such complaints if Mainz come away from the Allianz Arena with a win this weekend.

They are already assured of their place in the Bundesliga next season and will be heading to Munich to enjoy the occasion before breaking for their holidays.

Koo Ja-cheol may not be involved, though, due to a thigh strain, while his fellow South Korea international Park Joo-ho is even less likely to appear due to a back injury.