Football
Mark Lovell, Bayern Munich blogger 7y

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery: Players to blame for form slump

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has said the players are responsible for a dip in form, telling Sky Sport that it is "a weird feeling not topping the Bundesliga."

Ribery, 33, Bayern's second longest-serving player, recently extended his contract until 2018 having arrived in Bavaria almost nine years ago.

"The players are to blame for the current situation," the Frenchman said. "We've not really gelled yet due to the many injuries we've suffered.

"We've often had one player coming back but then another two get injured. Consequently, it's been really tough to find our rhythm."

Ribery said he believed the summer change in coach had also been a pivotal factor but added that he had formed a close bond with Carlo Ancelotti.

"We've got to find our way again after three years with Pep Guardiola," he said. "It's a completely new situation and Ancelotti is a totally different person too.

"But I've a good relationship with Ancelotti and it feels good working with him. He has a lot of faith in me and we speak a great deal."

Bayern surrendered the Bundesliga leadership for the first time in 39 games following the recent 1-0 loss at Borussia Dortmund, but Ribery said he felt their home form also left much to be desired.

"We've dropped too many points at home," he added. "No disrespect to Hoffenheim and Cologne, but normally we should win our home games."

Bayern, seeking a fifth Bundesliga title in a row, trail leaders RB Leipzig by three points and host the newly promoted side on Dec. 21 in the final game before the winter break.

"Of course, it's a weird feeling not topping the Bundesliga, but we have to work hard and stick together," Ribery said. "But I love pressure, and am especially looking forward to the game against Leipzig.

"We can't make any more mistakes. We've got to win every game from now on."

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