Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 7y

Carlo Ancelotti trying to convince Philipp Lahm to extend playing career

Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti is trying every day to convince Philipp Lahm to carry on playing but has had no luck so far.

Lahm, 33, will retire at the end of the season, but wants to win a record-equalling eighth Bundesliga title and seventh DFB Pokal first.

Speaking at a news conference ahead of Wednesday's DFB Pokal semifinal with Borussia Dortmund, Ancelotti said: "I'm sad that he is ending his career.

"He's really important for the club, manager and a great example to his teammates. I love his professionalism and his quality.

"I try every day to convince him to continue, asking if he has changed his mind -- until now he hasn't. I am still hoping. I try to joke with him but I think he's decided to stop. I hope he can finish his career in the best possible way."

Ancelotti joked he was even prepared to offer his skipper a new playing role in the vain hope that this will bring about a change of heart.

"If he carries on, we'll change his position to midfield so he doesn't have to run as much. Perhaps that will work," he added.

Bayern's Champions League exit at the hands of Real Madrid was still weighing heavily on his players, Ancelotti said, but that would not distract them from their task against Dortmund.

"The games against Real Madrid had cost a lot of energy," he said. "[But] we are focused on this very important game."

David Alaba, who suffered a knee strain in the draw with Mainz on Saturday, "trained but still has a minor problem," making him a doubt to face Dortmund, but Ancelotti confirmed Juan Bernat is ready to deputise.

Jerome Boateng and Javi Martinez are both available to return but, with Mats Hummels also playing "without problems" against Mainz, Ancelotti said "only two will start" against Dortmund.

Franck Ribery was replaced by Kingsley Coman at half-time against Mainz but Ancelotti said the French winger was "fit and can play."

"I took him off at the end of the first half because he didn't play well," he added. "But I know that players with experience are important for this game."

Ancelotti, who has won domestic cup competitions in Italy, Spain and England, is keen to achieve a similar title in Germany.

"Everyone speaks about atmosphere in the final. I understand it is a special moment in German football. I want to experience it myself and don't want to simply be a spectator," he said.

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