Bayern Munich director of Sport Christian Nerlinger expects Franck Ribery to be back to his best in 2010/11.
While Altintop's patience is running low
Bayern Munich director of sport Christian Nerlinger expects Franck Ribery to be back to his best in 2010/11.
The Frenchman has suffered a disappointing past 12 months, with injuries hindering his progress last season and leaving him short on confidence and form for the 2010 World Cup.
To add to his woes, he now finds himself at the centre of a controversy involving an underage prostitute.
Things could not have gone much worse for the 27-year-old of late, but the new season will provide him with a welcome distraction.
Nerlinger is adamant the talented playmaker can put his troubles behind him once he gets out on the field and is tipping him to have a major impact for Bayern this year.
Motivated
"I see Franck Ribery as our biggest new signing," he told
Bild am Sonntag.
"I hope he can be with us at the start of the season against Wolfsburg and if he can remain healthy then we know that he is soon going to enchant all of the fans and help this team further.
"He has the worst year of his career behind him, but I have noticed in several chats we have had that he is highly motivated and really wants to perform to his best."
Meanwhile, just weeks after penning a new one-year contract, Hamit Altintop has warned Bayern that he is prepared to walk away from the club next summer if he is unable to hold down regular first-team football.
"I don't always want to be a spectator," said the Turkey international, who has been with the club since 2007.
Challenger
"Therefore, I told myself 'come on, give it a go for one more year'.
"I am grateful to the management team that they accepted my wish.
"I know that I am the challenger. Therefore, I cannot lose, which keeps me relaxed.
"Bayern Munich is top, the team is intact and I have settled in well in Munich. This is a team which can challenge again for the Champions League.
"But, as stupid as it may sound, you can always leave here."
