Bayern Munich defender Philipp Lahm has spoken out on his differing stance from Franck Ribery of their coach.

Bayern teammate Ribery had publicly criticized Louis van Gaal, and distanced himself with the new Allianz Arena boss.

It is no coincidence that the Frenchman's dislike of van Gaal seems to run in tandem with a hopeful move to Real Madrid.

Lahm, however, was quick to defend the new man at the helm.

Speaking to AS, he said: "I don't feel the same as Franck. I think it is better to be strict at first and gradually relax, bit by bit. I am convinced by the work of the coach."

The 25-year-old also addressed the rocky relationship between Ribery and van Gaal.

"This is an issue that will be resolved internally. We will see how the coach reacts," Lahm added.