Bayern must keep Ribery, insists Toni

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni insisted Thursday the German giants must keep hold of chief playmaker Franck Ribery if they want to realise their Champions League ambitions in the future.

Ribery is under contract until June 2011, but with a host of top European clubs having been linked to the midfield maestro, Toni says Bayern must keep the Frenchman if they are to make any impact on Europe next season.

“I am the opinion that Bayern must try to hold Franck if we want to be successful in Champions League next season,” said Toni with Bayern currently vying for the German League title.

Bayern were unceremoniously dumped out of the Champions League by Barcelona at the quarter-final stage this season after they were routed 4-0 in the first leg at the Nou Camp Stadium earlier this month.

And the Italian World Cup winner says Bayern must also keep the pressure on Bundesliga leaders Wolfsburg with just six games left this season to make sure they qualify for the Champions League next season.

Munich are second in the league, three points behind the leaders, and must rely on Felix Magath-coached Wolfsburg slipping up if they are to defend their league title.

“Wolfsburg must feel our breath on their necks,” added Toni.