„A lot of potential remains untapped“: Lahm settles accounts with German talent development | OneFootball

Philipp Lahm himself was a prime example of successful youth development. Eight years at FC Bayern’s campus, a formative loan to VfB Stuttgart – in the end he became world champion, Champions League winner and captain at FCB and DFB. Now the 2014 world champion takes a critical look at the state of talent development in Germany

In his column for The Athletic, Lahm is clearly critical of the structures. Although he highlighted the breakthrough of Bayern youngster Lennart Karl as a positive example and described him as a „super talent“, he also posed the key question: „Why doesn’t this happen more often in German soccer, given the advantages the country has and offers?“

Germany has an excellent infrastructure, strong leagues, numerous coaches and modern performance centers, but the breakthrough of special players remains the exception. „A lot is lost, especially in the transition from youth to professional soccer,“ wrote Lahm. Clubs invest millions in academies, but hardly give talented players any playing time. The path to the top is not accompanied professionally

Lack of a clear approach

Lahm sees a core problem in the lack of a training concept. „One crucial question remains unanswered: What are we training for? What is our approach?“ While Spain, for example, has been working with a uniform system for years, Germany jumps from trend to trend. The result: players can do a lot of things a little, but only a few can do something really outstandingly well

„A footballer doesn’t have to be able to do everything. He has to be able to do something very well,“ emphasizes Lahm. The art of defending in particular is hardly taught in detail anymore

Lahm’s reform proposals

photo: IMAGO/DeFodi Images

However, the former Bayern captain does not stop at criticism. He calls for a binding training concept that lasts regardless of coaching changes. A common playing philosophy at association level should clearly define technical and tactical requirements

His vision: real specialists again, a six-man who dominates the center, a central defender who can hardly be overcome, a striker who remains ice-cold in the penalty area

Lahm is also calling for concrete measures in the professional game. Every Bundesliga club should set targets for the amount of time its own talented players can play. A professional squad should not be larger than 23 players, and at least three places should be reserved for home-grown talent. „Talent develops in competition,“ warns Lahm

His own career at FC Bayern was characterized by continuity and clear support, and it is precisely these principles that he misses in many places today

Lahm’s reckoning is clear – and it is not just directed at individual clubs, but at the entire system. His message: the conditions are there, but without a clear line and the courage to promote, valuable potential is still at risk of being lost.