Andreas Ottl

[BayernMatt]

Andreas Ottl

Starlet following in Lahm's footsteps
fcbayern.de

It is hard to resist comparing Bayern's newest pro Andreas Ottl with another product of the club's youth system, Philipp Lahm. Germany youth international Ottl and Lahm are both Munich born and bred, and both featured in the club's 2002 national championship-winning senior youth team. The pair have been reunited in the Bayern first-team squad this term after Ottl signed professional forms on 1 July, inevitably inviting "the new Lahm" tags from the media.

However, the 20-year-old newcomer roundly rejects the comparison. "You can't expect to repeat what Philipp has achieved," he declares, and it is true that very few players have managed the transition from third division hopeful to full international in the space of one year. Nevertheless, the Bavarians expect a lot from Ottl: "He's a real prospect for the future," Felix Magath recently declared.


Eyeing up place in matchday squad

The youngster was rewarded for his efforts in pre-season with appearances in nearly all the club's warm-up matches, including the final test against Jubilo Iwata, the highlight of his brief time as a pro to date. After coming on in the second half, Ottl laid on the chance for the Reds to take a decisive 2-1 lead. "His burst down the right was a big factor in settling the outcome," Magath said in praise.

Nonetheless, Ottl is realistic about his chances of starting the Bundesliga opener against Borussia Monchengladbach on Friday. "I'd just be delighted with a place in the squad. I'll keep giving it everything in training. I want the coach to know he can rely on me." The 20-year-old will appear for the reserves on Saturday, "unless I play 90 minutes for the first team, which I don't believe I will."

The starlet has not escaped Magath's eye. "He'll have to be patient, but his time will come," the head coach declared. "We'll definitely try him out in the competitive situation." And perhaps he will, once again, play in tandem with Philipp Lahm.
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I cant wait to see another promising youn player in the squad just more proof that Bayern are still producing players through the youth system. Have heard great things about him.

[Tobinho]

I don't know anything about this guy, where does he play? Isn't Lahm only about 21 himself?

[BayernMatt]

Hes with Bayern came up through the youth system in Munich as did Lahm. They played together at Bayern A and have been reunited this season on the first team.

Lahm is also 21.

[Tobinho]

Thought so, I meant what position does Ottl play in? Also maybe you can tell me how it was that Lahm was on loan at Stuttgart last season? Thanks mate.

[BayernMatt]

Oh

Ottl is a defender mainly at right back where as Lahm is a left defender.

Lahm was on loan to Stuttgart for 2 years actually and it turned out great except for the injuries last season which are carrying into this season. He expects now to be back by November. :?

[Tobinho]

Thanks mate. But why did Bayern let a player of such quality go out on loan? Especially when Lizarizu left for a bit, surely they could have used Lahm? :?

[BayernMatt]

Basically a way of him getting first team expirence while we had a starting back four already in place. Liza left after we loaned him out to Stuttgart. Its really weird to me aswell but he has come back to us with top quality skill.