Franck Ribery is happy under Bayern Munich manager Niko Kovac
Speaking recently with Kicker, Franck Ribery addressed his relationship with Niko Kovac, praising the manager for his work at Bayern Munich.
Niko Kovac has enjoyed a wonderful start to life at Bayern Munich thus far. The Croatian has won each of his competitive matches at his new club, with his side outscoring their opponents 15 to 2. It’s still early into the ’18-19 season, but things seem to be going well for the Bavarians.
The only disappointing aspect of Bayern’s season so far has been the few unfortunate injuries they have suffered. Rafinha suffered ligament damage against Bayer Leverkusen yesterday, while Corentin Tolisso suffered what is likely a season-ending ACL tear.
Kingsley Coman damaged ligaments in his ankle in Die Roten‘s Bundesliga opener and is likely to be out for the remainder of the calendar year. The 22-year-old’s absence will perhaps be the most difficult for the Bavarians to cope with, as it leaves the club a bit short on the wings.
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Veteran duo Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery will have to be at their best and managed carefully over the next few months for Bayern to remain successful. According to Ribery, however, that should be no problem. Speaking recently with Kicker, the Frenchman reassured that Niko Kovac knows what he’s doing.
"“I get along very well with Niko Kovac. Even if he doesn’t start me, he talks to me and explains the situation. He knows how to deal with me.“Niko knows how to manage the games for me throughout the season. I know that I can’t play every game, that would be crazy.”"
Ribery went on to explain that Kovac has already commanded the respect of the Bayern locker room. He has the right personality and qualities, Ribery explains, to remain successful and guide the Bavarians through this rough time.
Though Niko Kovac has been utterly successful so far in Bavaria, his biggest tests are certainly ahead. With no back-up full-back for the next few weeks and only three true wingers for the remainder of the Hinrunde, it will be truly impressive for the Croatian to keep his team performing at top level.
Next. Four takeaways as Bayern Munich net three in bittersweet Leverkusen clash. dark
One of those big tests will come on Wednesday, when Kovac will manage his first ever Champions League match. Bayern Munich travel to Lisbon to face Benfica, who may not be the toughest opponents but should still provide a good contest.