Ribery targets treble with Bayern

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has urged his team-mates to remain focused as he has set his sights on winning three trophies this term.

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has urged his team-mates to remain focused as he has set his sights on winning three trophies this term.

The Bavarians currently hold a 17-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga table, while they beat Dortmund 1-0 in midweek to book their ticket for the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal.

They also recorded a 3-1 away win over Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

“It’s going brilliantly in the Bundesliga and hopefully that’s how it will continue, but there are still a lot of games to go. We need to stay focused,” Ribery told the official Bundesliga website.

“There are two other titles up for grabs as well – the DFB Cup and the Champions League.”

The France international stressed he is happy to work hard for the team, but added that he needs a certain freedom in order to shine.

“I need to do my share of the defensive work, for sure, but when I’m on the ball, I make an intuitive decision on whether to pass, play a long ball or shoot,” he said.

“Our former coach Louis van Gaal always wanted me to follow precise instructions. I just said: ‘Let me play my game, that won’t work, it’s crazy’. I had my own philosophy – anything else just isn’t Franck Ribery.

“It’s great now with Jupp Heynckes – and it’s working.”

Ribery has been in sublime form this term, netting five goals and nine assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances.