Kroos No Loss to Solid Bayern, Says Lahm

Toni Kroos' summer transfer to Real Madrid has done no harm to German giants Bayern Munich, club captain Philipp Lahm claimed in Monday's edition of soccer magazine Kicker.

"Bayern Munich have so much quality and strength in depth they are difficult to weaken," said Lahm, as Bayern prepare to host Manchester City in the Champions League on Wednesday.

"We don't miss Toni, that's football, players come and go. I've been in the game too long to miss anyone, even if Toni is a great guy," he explained.

Kroos joined Real Madrid for 30 million euros (38m dollars) just a few months after the Spaniards had hammered the Bavarians 5-0 over two legs of a Champions League semi-final.

And Lahm feels the European champions are favorites to win the title again this time around.

"Real have invested a great deal of money to strengthen an already excellent side and they are undeniably the team to beat," insists Lahm, who captained Germany to World Cup victory in 2014.

But the diminutive defender also feels Bayern are stronger than last season, pointing to key signings such as Polish striker Robert Lewandowski.

"We need to forget about that defeat (to Real Madrid), we have strengthened our team where it was needed.

"I want to win the Cup (Champions League) again, either this season or over the next three," added Lahm, who lifted the trophy in 2013.

"And the team we have now are fully capable of that."