Ribery favours wingman Mueller

Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery believes fellow forward Thomas Mueller is best deployed as a right winger.

Germany international Mueller has been used in several different positions early in 2012 due to injuries suffered by Arjen Robben and Ribery himself.

Robben was benched for Wednesday’s DFB Pokal win over Stuttgart, with Mueller preferred in the Dutchman’s usual position.

And Ribery feels 22-year-old Mueller excels in the role.

“It is difficult for the coach to decide between Muller and Robben. But Thomas has been playing very well on the right. For me, he is better there,” Ribery told Tz-online.de.

“Arjen was obviously a bit sad when he heard that he wouldn’t play. But that is normal – he hasn’t played, but that’s football.”

“It’s hard for him because he always wants to play, just like me.”

Ribery backed Robben to come back as strong as ever for his club when he regains full fitness, and claims the Netherlands international does not need to adapt his game.

“You cannot tell him to change,” Ribery said.

“He has always played and was so successful. We all know Arjen’s power when he is fit, he is an important player for us.”

Bayern host Kaiserslautern on Saturday as they look to regain top spot from Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga.