#7 Franck Ribéry

[toni87]

great news!

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Back in the thick of it

Franck Ribery had just made a winning return to action for FC Bayern against 1. FC Nürnberg, after three months out injured - but his face bore a troubled expression.

His daughter Hiziya wanted her picture taken with club mascot Bernie, but dad, still in his work clothes, didn't have a camera handy. Fortunately, a family member saved the day by producing a snapshooting mobile phone.

Thunderous reception

The matter resolved, it was smiles all round again for daughter and father alike. A little earlier, the moment Ribery and the fans had long been waiting for arrived: in the 65th minute, with Bayern leading their regional rivals 1-0 through a 7th-minute goal from Miroslav Klose, the French international came off the bench and into the action.

The attacking midfielder's return was greeted with thunderous applause by the fans, who in the minutes preceding it had chanted for him to be brought on.

Tortuous wait

Jürgen Klinsmann duly obliged, with Ribery just about making time to take on a couple of last-second instructions before plunging into the fray.

As he waited on the touchline to come on, Angelos Charisteas came within inches of equalising for Nürnberg. Ribery raised his arms in frustration, as if calling for the referee to interrupt the match so that he could finally get back out onto the pitch.

First touch

Once he got there, he moved out to the right. When he received a pass from Massimo Oddo shortly afterwards, it was his first touch of the ball in a competitive game under Klinsmann.

Ribery suffered a torn a syndesmosis ligament against Italy in the group phase of the EURO 2008 finals. There then followed operations, rehabilitation, conditioning work - and a long time waiting. It all fell away when he took part in the move that led to Tim Borowski sealing the win for FC Bayern with the second goal.

Last to leave

That Ribery did not go into each and every challenge with his usual full-blooded commitment was hardly a surprise. But his class showed in flashes, a taster of things to come, as the fans hope of the man who was Bayern's single greatest creative force last season.

Ribery was the last player to depart the Allianz Arena on Wednesday evening. Earlier, he had been telling the assembled journalists about his long-awaited return, how it had felt to be playing again and what his immediate aims were. The usual questions...

...and it was then that Ribery, now kitted out in a tracksuit, turned serious again, a thoughtful expression etched on his face.

Fatih Demireli reporting from the Allianz Arena

Bundesliga - Die offizielle Webseite

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Ribery glad to be back

Frenchman returns in cup clash
Franck Ribery has expressed his delight after returning from injury for Bayern Munich.

The midfielder had been sidelined since tearing ankle ligaments during France's defeat to Italy at Euro 2008.

He had hoped to play in the UEFA Champions League game against Steaua Bucharest last week but manager Jurgen Klinsmann decided not to risk him.

Ribery was also left out for the 5-2 defeat at home to Werder Bremen on Saturday but he came off the substitutes' bench in Wednesday's German Cup win over FC Nurnberg.

"I am glad to be finally back again," Ribery told Bild.

Strange
"It was a strange feeling to be playing again, because I had never been injured for such a long period of time before.

"I am very relieved there are no problems, now I just want to get back to the old Franck Ribery as quickly as possible."

Klinsmann, who may now select Ribery in his starting line-up against Hannover at the weekend, was also happy to see the 25-year-old back in action.

"We are pleased that he is back playing again," said Klinsmann.

"It was important that he gets the feeling for the game and finds his rhythm again.

"He just has to find his match fitness again."

Sky Sports | Football | Bundesliga | News | Ribery glad to be back

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Ribery ready for Champions League test

Bayern Munich’s France midfielder Franck Ribery admitted Sunday he is impatient to face compatriots Lyon in the Champions League on Tuesday when all French eyes will be on him.

“Finally, the Champions League game is here,” an excited Ribery told Die Welt on Sunday ahead of the Group F clash at Munich’s Allianz Arena.

The 25-year-old only returned from injury a week ago after three months out with torn ankle ligaments playing for France in Euro 2008 and missed Bayern’s opening Champions League win at Steaua Bucharest earlier this month.

“It is a very special match for me, as it is against Lyon, and I am very impatient for the match to start.

“I am quite conscious that this Tuesday all of my country will have their eyes turned towards me.”

Ribery made his first appearance of the season for Bayern in the 5-2 defeat to Werder Bremen last weekend when he came off the bench for the last 25 minutes.

He also played the second-half at Hanover on Saturday when Bayern were beaten 1-0 - their second consecutive league defeat - to go ninth in the Bundesliga on Saturday night.

And the French star admitted his side were “perhaps missing something” after their less then impressive start to the season as coach Jurgen Klinsmann rotated his squad to rest players ahead of the Lyon visit.

“In terms of quality, our team can rival the big clubs of Europe like Chelsea or Barcelona,” said Ribery.

“But perhaps our manpower is not sufficiently packed to succeed head to head with the large teams. On that point, perhaps we are missing something,” said Ribery.

But the Frenchman says he remains positive about Bayern’s chances of turning their season around.

Ribery said: “One should expect these difficulties, because there are many new innovations at the club.

“We need time to apply the philosophy of Jurgen Klinsmann.

“When that happens, we will be better, and we will try to again be the champions of Germany.”

Ribery added his goal is to help Bayern reach the Champions League quarter-finals or beyond. afp

Ribery ready for Champions League test | RIBERYblog.com

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First-time Franck
Ribéry eyes Champions League debut

Germany and France Player of the Year Franck Ribéry has amassed 30 caps for his country and owns a World Cup runners-up medal. He won the double with Bayern, the Turkish Cup with Galatasaray, and has contested two French Cup finals. However, he has never played in the Champions League. Perhaps he was just waiting until the luck of the draw pitted Bayern against Olympique Lyon.

“Playing a club from your home country is very special,” the 25-year-old agreed. Franck has 22 UEFA Cup matches to his name, “but I’ve waited a long time to play in the Champions League for Bayern.”

Needing time

However, Bayern boss Jürgen Klinsmann is by no means certain to start with the gifted winger, who has made just two brief appearances since returning from a three-month injury lay-off. “We know Franck’s really looking forward to the match,” the coach acknowledged, “but we’ll wait until tomorrow evening before deciding whether to start him.“

“I’m ready,” Ribéry insisted, “I’m really keen to play, show what I can do, and give the fans something to cheer.“ The France star concedes he is not yet back to peak form. “It’ll get better with every game, but I need more time,” he opined, “I couldn’t say where I am in percentage terms.“

“It’ll take a while before he’s back to 100 percent,” reckoned Klinsmann, who is nevertheless certain to include the midfielder in his matchday squad. “Even if he’s only on the bench, he gives the team a real lift. He gives us belief, creativity and inspiration,” the coach said.

Clash with friend Benzema

Ribéry is no stranger to victory over Lyon, after defeating the serial champions twice in the French Cup during his spell with Marseille. However, Ribéry’s Ligue 1 record against OL reads played five, drawn two, lost three. The Bayern man is expecting a tight encounter on Tuesday. “Lyon are strong both in attack and defence,” he reasoned, “will to win and aggression will make the difference.“

Ribéry would dearly love to help tip the scales Bayern’s way in a personal capacity, especially as his good friend Karim Benzema plays for the visitors. “We’ll need to watch him, and also the likes of Sidney Govou,” he warned. He had chatted to Benzema more than once in recent days, Ribéry revealed. “I’ve told him he’s going home with precisely no points,“ the Munich star grinned.

FC Bayern

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Fellow Professionals Honour Ribéry

Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribéry has been honoured by his fellow professionals by being named the ‘Player of the Year’ in Germany by the Association of Professional Footballers (VDV).

The ‘Verein der Vertragsfuβballspieler’ organised the poll amongst all players in the first four divisions of German football and French star Ribéry was the clear winner with 37.3% of the vote.

The midfielder/ winger was an absolute revelation for the club last season following his big-money move from Marseille, as the club won both the league and the Cup. He certainly more than justified the €25 million transfer fee.

His Bayern team mate Luca Toni came in second with 19.3% of the vote in recognition of his scoring feats for the Bavarian club last season. The Italian hit 39 goals in all competitions playing 46 games in total.

Third place was secured by Werder Bremen midfielder Diego, while Leverkusen goalkeeper Rene Adler came in fourth with Oliver kahn in fifth with 3.7% of the votes cast.

The official presentation of the award will take place in the coming weeks at a Bayern Munich home game by VDV president Florian Gothe.

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Fellow Professionals Honour Ribéry

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Ribery nominated for Ballon d’Or

Franck Ribery’s impressive appearances for Bayern Munich last season have earned him the nomination for the European Footballer of the Year award, organisers announced Sunday.

The Ballon d’Or shortlist of 30 footballer is compiled by France Football magazine and is based on nominations from football writers around the globe.

Ribery’s team mate at Bayern Munich, Italian striker Luca Toni has also been nominated.

The gong, formerly known as European Footballer of the Year award, will be awarded on Dec. 2 by 96 journalists from all over the world.

Ribery nominated for Ballon d'Or | RIBERYblog.com

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Ribery: I'm Up To 85%

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery says that he is almost completely recovered from the bad injury he suffered during the European Championships this summer.

The French phenom now has a couple of matches under his belt and appears to be getting better with each game.

“I’m doing fine. I’m up to about 85 percent now. I just need to take the final step,“ he said ahead of Wednesday's clash with Eintracht Frankfurt.

“The three points are vital. Bremen are playing Leverkusen, Hamburg meet Stuttgart and we might even be top by Saturday,” he added enthusiastically.

"We’re not yet as good as we were last season, but the wins against Karlsruhe, Fiorentina and Wolfsburg have done wonders for our confidence,” he added. “We’re feeling better physically too. We’re starting to click.“

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Ribery: I'm Up To 85%

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Bayern Munich midfielder Franck Ribéry has been honoured by his fellow professionals by being named the ‘Player of the Year’ in Germany by the Association of Professional Footballers (VDV).

He recieved the award today:

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Flying high
On-song Ribéry ‘feeling better all the time’

The impression suggests it, and the data confirm it: Franck Ribéry is nearly back to his awesome best. Since his comeback from injury six weeks ago, the German and French Footballer of the Year has made nine appearances, contributing to Bayern goals in each of the last four, with an assist, an earned penalty, and three goals of his own against Fiorentina, Wolfsburg, Frankfurt and Bielefeld.

“I’m feeling better all the time, in my legs, my head, and out on the field,” the player himself confided. He described his form as ‘85 percent’ a week ago, “but I don’t know if it’s 100 percent yet,” he said on Tuesday with the smile of a man who knows he’s on the up. fcbayern.de has examined the reasons behind Franck’s resurgence:

Injury-free
The situation looked grim when Ribéry was stretchered from the field at Euro 2008 in mid-May, but fortunately he had not broken a bone or seriously damaged a knee. The damaged ankle ligaments which were the cause of his discomfort have now fully recovered. “The pain’s gone,” he confirms. His confidence has returned too: he rode out heavy tackles to the previously injured foot against both Bielefeld and Frankfurt. “I’m not afraid,” he insists.

Enthusiasm
Ribery’s enforced three-month absence from the training ground and football pitch caused his feet to itch. “I could hardly wait,” he revealed shortly after his comeback, and his euphoric enjoyment of the game has been evident ever since. “I really look forward to playing and giving the fans something to cheer,” he says.

Language
A week ago, Ribéry took a few media questions in German for the very first time – and the Frenchman has made real progress in his first 16 months in his adopted country. “I used a lot of wild gestures to make myself understood at first. It makes me laugh when I think about it now,” the 25-year-old recalls, “I’m getting to grips with the language now, although I’m far from perfect.” His newly acquired skills are a benefit during matches. “It does help during games,” he confirmed.

Settled
Ribéry’s fast-improving German has also helped him appreciate Munich even more. “I felt very good here last year too, although it’s a tough language,” he explained. The Frenchman now feels at home in the Bavarian capital. “There’s a lot to see and do in Munich, and you can take the kids too,” he observes, although the real clincher is the local folk. “I like the people here. They’re friendly and respectful, and not at all aggressive. People don’t push, shove and shout. They ask politely for autographs. I really like that,” he states.

Lucky charm
Perhaps the most fundamental reason for his improved form can be found on Franck’s left wrist. For the last three matches, he has sported a white armband bearing the name of his wife Wahiba. It is fashioned from a piece of the bandage he wore on his injured ankle, Ribery has revealed. “My wife said to me: wear that, and you’ll score goals and play well. It’s worked very well up to now.”

FC Bayern

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Ribery’s uniquely beguiling talent

Posted by: Kevin Fylan

The question of whether such-and-such a player is the world’s best tends to generate more heat than light, and a great many superlatives directed at Cristiano Ronaldo.

So, let me phrase this as carefully as I can: Just at the moment, is Franck Ribery the most influential player in Europe?

Ribery’s return to fitness, after his ankle ligament injury at Euro 2008, has coincided with Bayern Munich’s return to form, and of course, it’s no coincidence at all.

Juergen Klinsmann found his first couple of months as Bayern coach very difficult, as teams discovered they no longer had to treat the Ribery-less champions with quite such respect.

The Frenchman returned to the team with a tentative 45-minute run-out in a 1-0 defeat in Hanover. He looked a little more comfortable in the subsequent 3-3 draw with Bochum and sparked a memorable comeback with his first goal against Wolfsburg on Oct. 25.

His form has been improving ever since and he made it four goals in four games with a jaw-dropping winner in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Schalke.

He contributed far more than just another goal, though, as his beguiling balance and control threatened danger every time he took the ball forward, and at times made fools of Schalke defenders.

With Ribery in this form, Bayern are a team transformed. Rivals can’t afford to press too far forward against them for fear of being slaughtered on the counter-attack. It makes Bayern’s defence look much more comfortable (as much as they can be in front of a goalkeeper who does not catch crosses).

There may be more gifted players than Ribery, and, yes, Ronaldo springs to mind, but I’m not sure there’s a single player who makes so much difference to a league title race.

Messi in Spain? Certainly influential, but you get the feeling Barcelona could survive pretty well without him. Benzema at Lyon? Perhaps. But is there anyone else head and shoulders above the rest of their league? As always, let us know in the comments.

blog.reuters.com

[BlackNess]

^^ A great article, I've enjoyed reading this.

Quality post Trim, good to see something in this whole german section that isn't copied from goal.com

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Ribery: It's Not Easy Being Me!

Bayern Munich's French superstar Franck Ribery has admitted that he is not immune to the pressure of being the go-to guy at such a massive club.

The prodigious playmaker has been an instant smash since his high profile move from Olympique Marseille in 2007, so much so that something sensational is expected from him every game - even when just coming back from a serious injury.

"It's not easy, people expect a lot of me. It's flattering but I can't allow myself to relax," said Ribery, who went on to admit that he is still not fully recovered from the injury that he suffered against Italy during Euro 2008.

"I have to say that it's a heavy burden to carry. At the same time though, it shows I feel good here," he said to France Football.

"I try to bring the maximum to the club. When I was injured at the beginning of season we had a lot of difficulties.

"Since I've come back we've been better. My return was good for the team and the coach (Jurgen Klinsmann)."

"The only worry is fatigue creeping in. The season is long and matches are coming along every three days," he added.

"I'd like a breather at times, that's the only concern I have at the club."

Goal.com - Bayern Munich - Ribery: It's Not Easy Being Me!

[Munchen Minded]

All the posts I have to read, its hard being me as well.