Lahm: Bayern Munich have plenty of defensive options

EXCLUSIVE
By Maximilian Bensinger

Philipp Lahm has voiced his satisfaction with the various options Bayern Munich have for the two centre-back positions following the return of a number of injured players.

The Bavarians have had to make do without the likes of Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber and Daniel Van Buyten at various points this term, but head coach Jupp Heynckes now has plenty of options at his disposal again.

"For the position of centre-back, Jerome has been injured, while Holger and Daniel have been unavailable, too. We now have plenty of option again, that's clear," Lahm told Goal.com.

"It's a matter of finding the best option now. We'll see how it pans out from there on. Dante is a good player, but Holger and Jerome have shown in the past what they can do, while the same counts for Daniel Van Buyten."

Meanwhile, Boateng, who only just returned to full match fitness after an injury layoff, isn't too worried about the stiff competition for places at the back.

"It doesn't really matter who plays. We always have a solid defence. That's our biggest quality. Jupp Heynckes doesn't have any reasons to make changes to his line-up at the moment."

Heynckes opted for a centre-back pairing of Badstuber and Dante in the 5-0 win over Hannover on Saturday, and the former feels that it is not a problem that they are both left-footed.

"There are plenty of strong centre-back pairings out there consisting of two right-footed players. It's really not a problem for us. What's important is that you have the ability to form a good partnership with someone, and that's the case with Dante and me."

Bayern have conceded only five goals in 13 Bundesliga games this term.