<span class="fcc003318px">‘My first six months here have gone well’</span></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'></p> When Miroslav Klose’s ambitious 25-yard pass sailed out of the training ground and landed on the roof of Franck Ribéry’s Audi on Monday, the France star initially responded with an irate glare and an exclamation in a curious mixture of his native tongue and English: “Mon car!“ But when Klose started to laugh, Ribéry at once grinned back. Even during a tricky phase at the club, the summer signing is the last man likely to suffer a sense of humour failure. Addressing the post-training news conference, the player confessed to “a degree of frustration“ about recent matches. “Obviously it’s been a bit difficult in terms of results. But we’re still a good team, and the mood is good,” he continued, “although you can’t help feeling the extraordinary pressure here. I have a suspicion we descend into panic too easily. We should remain focused, stand together and show solidarity.“ Grateful to the club Nevertheless, the 24-year-old remains delighted about opting to come to Bayern, responding with a flash of temper when the corresponding question was put. “Non! I don’t regret coming here at all. In fact, I want to thank the club. Whenever I’ve had a problem, someone’s always helped me out.“ The Frenchman confirmed he has settled comfortably in Munich, both professionally and privately. “My first six months have gone well,” Ribéry commented, “my family and I feel very good about being here. I’m satisfied professionally as well. I’ve been able to entertain the fans and I’m enjoying myself.“ This despite the fact the gifted midfielder is the object of close attention from all Bayern’s opponents. “I often find two men on me and have practically no room to manoeuvre,” he explained. Honoured at home That has not stopped Ribéry making a decisive contribution to Bayern’s success so far. In 16 Bundesliga appearances he has registered four goals and three assists, with three strikes in the pre-season League Cup. Munich supporters voted him Bayern Player of the Month in both August and November, but the crowning glory of an excellent first half of the season arrived on Sunday when Ribéry was named Player of the Year in France. “I’m really delighted I won this award as a Bayern player. It’s recognition for me and for the club. It means we’re working successfully here,” Ribéry remarked, ascribing the accolade largely to his displays in the last six months. “But I’ve not lived up to my own expectations recently,” he admitted. “We’ve had lots of matches and lots of travel, and I’m a little tired. Maybe the cold weather has something to do with it too.“ Vacation beckons Ribéry is determined to sign off for Christmas with a flourish when Bayern meet Aris Salonika in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday. “A win is incredibly important for us. For the club, the team, the fans and the management,” the France star acknowledged, “winning would do us all the power of good.“ Following the match at the Allianz Arena, the squad will be released on Christmas vacation. “It’ll be a time to enjoy ourselves, relax and recover, before coming back and doing everything in our power to win the championship in the second half of the season,” the 24-year-old summarised. “I think the break will do us good.“ Working on the language The player is also keen to improve his command of German over the remainder of the season. He has mastered the necessary vocabulary for football, “but I’m playing around with the words for everything else. I’d like to learn as quickly as possible, but to be frank, it’s hard to study regularly when you’re travelling every three days.“ However, Ribéry insisted he was still up to the task – possibly in order to produce a fruitier riposte the next time a ball lands on his car.</div></p>
I've watched a couple of Bayern games and he's the engine for their team, it's amazing how smart he is with the ball. (kind of like zidane in a way, but not too flashy)</p>
Of course, I don't think anyone will ever come close to him, but I mean knowing where his teammates are and thinking fast, Ribery has that. (a lot of star players don't, they just have talent and score goals)</p>
yep, hesabsolute talent. I'd say france has got perhaps the most talented squads in the last decade.</p>
And then they have Benzema, another future star.</p> I think France could win the next world cup.</p>