Bayern Munich’s Jupp Heynckes looking to give Franck Ribery a new role for Schalke clash
Bayern Munich coach Jupp Heynckes believes that winger Franck Ribery can play upfront if needed. He was talking ahead of Bayern’s next league fixture against Schalke on Sunday, September 10, at Veltins Arena.
The visitors are expected to be without the services of their ace striker Mario Gomez and winger Arjen Robben. Defender Daniel van Buyten is also certain to miss out while striker Ivica Olic is still nursing his injury.
Bayern are likely to play Ribery upfront with Nils Petersen, who is the only striking option left in the ranks. Petersen also replaced Gomez at half time during the Champions League group fixture against Villarreal on Wednesday.
The manager has told that Gomez’s participation in the game is still uncertain and it is not worth risking his ace striker.
He also confirmed about Robben’s absence as the winger is still nursing his groin problem and is expected to be fit in time for Manchester City clash. Both sides will go head-to-head on Tuesday, September 27, at Allianz-Arena for their next Champions League game. Bayern are currently leading Group A, while City and Napoli sit second on the table.
Ribery, for his part, is ready to fit in the striker’s role on a temporary basis as he is aware of the problem his team are facing in that department. The Frenchman is also confident of achieving a win over the Royal Blues in order to maintain their superiority in the league.
While talking to the local press, Heynckes further stated, "[If we have problems in the striking department] Then Franck Ribery can play as a striker. Take a look at Barcelona, who get along fine without a central striker.”
From 102 appearances since landing at Allianz-Arena in 2007, Ribery so far has 34 league goals under his belt for the German giants. The 28-year-old earned his France debut in 2006 and has seven goals to his name until now from 54 international caps.
The player will get to know later tonight whether he will start in his normal position or play a supporting role to the young Nils Petersen.
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