Lahm: Dortmund to start favourites

29 July 2012 16:32

Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm believes Borussia Dortmund are favourites to retain their Bundesliga crown.

The titleholders recently stated that their goal for 2012/13 is Champions League qualification rather than the league title, but the Germany international says they are simply being humble.

"Dortmund are deliberately acting modest, and let's face it, it's served them well over the last two seasons. I actually talked about this with (Borussia Dortmund president) Reinhard Rauball," the defender was quoted as saying on Bayern's official website.

"But I think the club that have won back-to-back titles start as favourites, although there are other title candidates. I have Schalke on my radar for example, they'll be there or thereabouts."

Lahm then went on to stress that Bayern are desperate to win their first Bundesliga title since 2010.

"We had become used to winning the Bundesliga at least every second season," the full-back added.

"But we fell short, and that basically cannot be. The title is our priority. I definitely still have a deep yearning for more trophies."

Bayern start the new Bundesliga campaign with an away match against Greuther Furth on August 24.