Sagnol wants Ribery to shine

Retired international Willy Sagnol says the form of Franck Ribery will be crucial to France’s chances of success at Euro 2012.

Ribery has been outstanding at club level for Bayern Munich this season, netting 16 goals and providing 26 assists in all competitions, helping the team reach the Champions League final on home soil.

When asked about Ribery’s struggle to re-produce that form when playing for his country, former Bayern and France defender Sagnol suggested psychological factors were at work.

“You should ask him why he is so convincing with Bayern and not for France,” Sagnol told RMC.

“It’s more in the head. I hope he will show his qualities at the European Championship.”

Prior to the Euros getting underway, Ribery has an opportunity to impress when Bayern host Chelsea in the Champions League final at the Allianz Arena on Saturday.

“The game against Chelsea is one of the most important of his career,” Sagnol said.

“He has to show that he is there in the big games.”

France have been drawn in Group D of Euro 2012, alongside Sweden, England and co-hosts Ukraine.

Their first match is against England in Donetsk on June 11.