Ribery in form of career, says Bayern boss

20 May 2013 11:56

France winger Franck Ribery is in the form of his career, according to coach Jupp Heynckes, as Bayern Munich prepare to head to Wembley for Saturday's Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.

The 30-year-old, who joined Bayern from Marseille in July 2007, finished the league season with ten goals after scoring twice and setting up the other two in an oustanding display in Bayern's 4-3 win at Borussia Moenchengladbach on Saturday.

Bayern found themselves 3-1 down after just ten minutes, but Ribery helped pull the league champions out of the mire as Javi Martinez converted his early pass, then the Frenchman scored twice to equalise before his pass found Arjen Robben to fire home the winner.

"Franck's having a superb season, probably the best of his career. It's no real surprise he scored twice," said Heynckes, who praised the Frenchman for his improved defensive work.

"He's been unbelievably team-oriented the whole season. That's where he's come on incredibly."

Heynckes signed off in his 1,011th and final Bundesliga match before stepping down as Bayern coach next month after leading his team out at Wembley, then for the German Cup final on June 1 at Berlin's Olympic Satdium against VfB Stuttgart.

"He'll be enormously important for both finals," said Heynckes.

Ribery's deeds in Moenchengladbach meant he extended his incredible record in which Bayern have never lost a Bundesliga match when he has scored in 46 league games, including 44 wins and two draws.

"Franck has taken another step forward. He's absolutely world-class and there's nothing to discuss about that," said Bayern's Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Ribery's sublime volley from a Philipp Lahm cross for Bayern's equaliser on 53 minutes was the the pinnacle of his display in Gladbach.

"I just caught it well," said Ribery, who produced 15 assists in the league this season.

"It's good for me and for the team."

Source: AFP