Why Lahm Is the Bayern Munich Player Most in Need of the International Break

When Philipp Lahm announced his international retirement following the 2014 World Cup, it was a big blow for Germany. The right-back had captained his country to victory in Brazil, ending a major title drought dating back to 1996. And he left with no apparent successor in his position. Almost two years later, he still has yet to be replaced in Joachim Low's squad.

On the other hand, Germany's loss has been Bayern Munich's gain. Having several breaks throughout the season and lacking the burden of traveling over long distances and playing in grueling summer tournaments will surely add time to Lahm's career and quality to his performances.

It was a boost to Bayern and a rational call for the player himself, bowing out while he was on top for Germany and giving himself a bit more time in the spotlight. At this point in his career, quality is much more important than quantity.

Now during this month's international break, Lahm has time to recharge and prepare for the crucial, final two months of the 2015-16 campaign. And it's a break he absolutely needs.

In approximately three weeks, Lahm played 480 minutes: five full games, plus one 30-minute spell of extra time. In 11 days leading up to and including the Champions League fixture against Juventus last week, he played 300 minutes. That's a yeoman's effort for any player at any time in his career, with the 120-minute affair against Juve (in which, per UEFA's official website, he covered 14.4 km) being especially taxing. For a 32-year-old, it's especially difficult. 

"

Rahhh Cuadrado sent Lahm back to the Octoberfest  pic.twitter.com/Wq1xV82OjK

— C.C (@ElAficionadofcb) March 16, 2016"

Lahm is a player known for his consistency throughout his career. And to be fair, he's generally played very well for Bayern even since turning 32 years of age last November.

Yet he's shown his age on occasion and had a particularly underwhelming game against Juve last week. He struggled with the Italian giants' physical left wing and could have been sent off for two bookable offenses. And in the lead-up to Juan Cuadrado's goal, he both failed to make a challenge on Alvaro Morata and committed too early to his challenge on the Colombian that allowed his opponent to hesitate long enough for Lahm to slide by before firing the ball into the net.

The Juve game was the toughest and most high-stakes fixture for Bayern this season, so it's understandable Lahm may not have been at his very best. But reflecting on his performances in recent years, it's such games in which the Munich native was usually at his best. He's always had an uncanny way of stepping up when his team has needed him.

Time and time again, he silenced Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi when they met head-to-head on his flank. With his country in desperate need of a goal, Lahm even scored a rare, but dramatically late, winner against Turkey at Euro 2008. So for him to have struggled against Juve is a clear sign he was in need of a rest.

The good thing is, Lahm now is in the midst of a break that amounts to two full weeks between Bayern's recent game against Cologne and their next against Eintracht Frankfurt. While many of the opponents he'll soon face are flying to all corners of the world, some playing in key World Cup qualifiers, he'll be resting and training to build up physical and mental reserves for the weeks to come.

When Bayern play next, he'll be ready for the final stage of the season, whether it ends with the Bundesliga in six weeks or with the Champions League final in eight.

@Mr_Bundesliga