Robben, Ribery told to put team first

Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer says Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery need to adopt a team-oriented approach into their play.

The duo have both been criticised for their individualistic style of play, and although the 44-year-old Sammer agrees that every team needs elite players, he insists that the star duo cannot do it all on their own.

“What you need in a team are leaders – ideally one leader – team players and individuals,” Sammer said.

“We need individuals such as Robben and Ribery. However, these players must understand they’ll never make it on their own.

“You need team players holding the whole thing together. Players need to put themselves forward and accept responsibility.”

Sammer then went on to discuss Robben’s situation after he was whistled by his own fans last season, and stressed they will do their utmost to support the Dutchman.

“I have a very, very good impression of him. He’s very alert, focused, and dynamic. Naturally, we’ve talked.

“I signalled to him that in a situation such as what happened in the last match in Munich, no Bayern Munich player is on his own, and that we have to protect him even more.

“And I’ve also told him I’m expecting a huge amount of him this season.”

Robben netted a hat-trick in Bayern’s 11-0 win over a Trentino Regional XI on Tuesday.