No time for sentiment ahead of Dortmund clash – Lahm

Bayern Munich captain Philipp Lahm has said now is not the time to be “sentimental” but wants to crown his playing career with a seventh DFB Pokal success.

Lahm, 33, will retire at the end of the season, and with the end of his playing career just weeks away he wants to go out on a by leading Bayern to a league and cup double.

“Another final would be wonderful,” Lahm told a news conference ahead of Wednesday’s DFB Pokal semifinal with Borussia Dortmund.

“I’ve played in many finals, thankfully mostly with positive results. The atmosphere in Berlin is always something very special with all the colours in the stadium. It would be a fitting end to my career [but] now is not the time to be sentimental.”

Ahead of Bayern’s fifth DFB Pokal meeting with Dortmund in as many years, he added: “A cup semifinal against our biggest rivals with a spot in Berlin up for grabs is exciting and interesting. You don’t need any more motivation than that — if you do you are in the wrong job.”

Bayern could only draw 2-2 draw at the weekend against relegation-threatened Mainz. However, they remain eight points clear of nearest challengers RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga with four games remaining.

Bayern’s fifth successive league title, and a record eighth for Lahm, looks a formality.

“A bad season would be winning absolutely no titles at all,” Lahm said. “Therefore, it’s looking good, irrespective of what happens on Wednesday.

“The next game is always the one that matters and our fortunes in the cup will decide whether we have had a good season or a very good one.”

Central defenders Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng both sat out the game against Mainz, but took part in team training sessions on Sunday and Monday. David Alaba picked up a knee strain and had to be substituted after 17 minutes on Saturday.

Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti said Alaba’s injury wasn’t “a big problem” at his postmatch news conference. The versatile Austria international was able to train individually in the performance centre alongside Mats Hummels on Monday.

“It’s not a great situation for us, we’ve had lots of injuries — not just in defence,” Lahm said. “We’ve had a lot of players with problems who have played through the pain barrier. But I believe that virtually everybody will be available in defence, we will see in the next 24 to 48 hours who can play. As it stands at the moment, I think the coach will have everybody available.”

Only goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is definitely ruled out for the cup holders, with Sven Ulreich set to deputise for Neuer once again between the sticks.

“We’ve got a lot of trust in Sven,” Lahm said. “He’s saved us recently in many games, keeping goal very well. We have faith in him and we know his qualities.”