Bayern Munich confirm Franck Ribery’s altercation with journalist
Bayern Munich confirm the news of Franck Ribery’s altercation with French pundit Patrick Guillou following Saturday’s loss to Dortmund.
Franck Ribery has had a torrid time with Bayern Munich this season. The French winger has been far from his best for the Bavarians, and his recent performances — including his display in Der Klassiker on Saturday — have made him the subject of heavy criticism.
Ribery has found his name in the headlines for yet another negative reason, however. The Frenchman reportedly slapped French television pundit Patrick Guillou due to the latter’s heavy criticism of Ribery’s performance against Dortmund.
Bayern Munich Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic told Bild that the club would investigate this matter internally. The German club has requested Guillou to be present in the meeting in order to solve this matter between player and journalist. Ribery is likely to get a sanction if he is proven guilty in this meeting.
"“Franck Ribery has informed us that he had an altercation with his compatriot Patrick Guillou, whom he has known well for many years.“We agreed with Patrick Guillou that we would speak at a personal meeting, we will talk about how we can solve the matter, and Mr. Guillou has already signaled that it is in his interest.”"
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Ribery is set to turn 36 in April, so it will be a huge surprise if Bayern extend his contract. The Frenchman can still play an important role for Bayern this season, but he needs to understand that the younger attacking players need more minutes to progress in their development. The veteran needs to accept his role as a “super sub” if he wants to be at all effective for Bayern this season.
Bayern Munich also expect Ribery, along with fellow veteran Arjen Robben, to be a leader in the dressing room. The club is undergoing a difficult phase right now, and Bayern need their senior players to help cool things down, not cause more trouble. Ribery’s behavior towards the French journalist is not at all tolerable, and he should deservedly get a fine for this altercation.
Ribery was handed a new one-year deal at the end of last season. This decision already looks like a mistake for Bayern, though, as he is on a heavy decline and struggling to get any sort of momentum in his play right now. His current performances don’t warrant a regular place in starting lineup.
The defending German champions succumbed to their third defeat in the Bundesliga this season after Borussia Dortmund came back twice to win in Der Klassiker. Bayern is now fifth in the league, trailing Dortmund by seven points. The Bavarians head into the international break on a sour note, but the next month is crucial for them to stay in the title race.