Lahm: Players have to leave the Bundesliga to become world class

Bayern legend Philipp Lahm has recently given his critique on the approach adopted by many Bundesliga teams, while also praising Bayer Leverkusen's coach, Xabi Alonso. According to Lahm, the traditional focus on mentality in German football causes many players to move abroad to reach world-class status, with Joshua Kimmich being a prime example.
Bayer Leverkusen, in contrast, stands out as they currently play an outstanding season, remaining unbeaten in 46 matches in all competitions. Leverkusen has displayed dynamic possession football and a strong defence.
Lahm believes that Xabi Alonso is the key to Leverkusen's success, differing from the rest of German football with a unique approach. Unlike the German focus on mentality, Alonso's strategy aligns with the principles of Spanish and Italian football, focusing on structure and order. Lahm further elaborates on the concept in his column for Die Zeit.

This difference in approach has resulted in talented players such as Jude Bellingham, Kai Havertz, and Erling Haaland opting to leave Bundesliga to optimise their personal development and achieve world-class status.
However, the traditional German "mentality football" also has its benefits according to Lahm. The fight, passion, and toughness of the competition are the key components that make Bundesliga what it is. Despite its focus on structure and order, it epitomizes persistence and doesn't rely merely on chance.

Lahm speculates that Joshua Kimmich's diminished self-confidence might be a consequence of this mentality-focused approach. Lahm, a former player with Kimmich at FC Bayern, recollects that Kimmich's early performances under the then coach, Pep Guardiola, were significantly different. Even though Kimmich is now in his prime, his current role as a full-back isn't ideally suited to his talents, according to Lahm.