MUNICH, Germany: France winger Franck Ribery has said he is “100 percent sure” that Bayern Munich will finish the season as Bundesliga champions ahead of today’s crunch showdown with Borussia Dortmund. Bayern host defending Bundesliga champions Dortmund, third in the league, at Munich’s Allianz Arena with the Bavarians currently 10 points clear at the top of the table and Ribery in superb form with four goals in nine games.
Although Bayern held an eight-point lead at one stage last season, Dortmund still eventually won their second league title, with Munich finishing second. But Ribery has said the club will not make the same mistake again.
“I am 100 percent sure that we will be German champions,” Ribery told German daily Bild after Bayern failed to win any silverware in the last two seasons.
“We have to be careful and not allow any mistakes against the smaller clubs, like we did last year. We had an eight-point lead last season, but Dortmund were still German champions. I am sure we have learnt our lesson.”
Bayern are eager to break a four-match losing streak against Dortmund in the Bundesliga, having last beaten Borussia in the league back in February 2010.
Ribery is under contract until 2015 and having joined Bayern in 2007, the 29-year-old says he wants to mentor the younger players, just as French star Zinedine Zidane did with him.
“I’m still a joker but I am older and have grown up,” he added. “I talk a lot with the younger players and I try to help them. Zidane did the same with me, I had the good fortune to play with him at the 2006 World Cup. He was like a big brother to me and I learnt a lot from him.”
Under-pressure Mourinho faces tough derby
MADRID: Atletico Madrid take on derby rivals Real Madrid this weekend aiming to pile up the pressure on under-fire coach Jose Mourinho whose team already trail leaders Barcelona by 11 points. It is the first time in almost 14 years that Atletico take on their illustrious neighbours with more points in La Liga - they are second with an eight-point lead over a stuttering Real who were beaten once again last weekend by Real Betis.
Despite winning the league last season Mourinho is coming under fire from a demanding Madrid media who are speculating whether he will be still at the helm next summer.
The Portuguese flatly denies he is feeling the strain.
“I have perfect health and I am working as I have done for many years. My relationship with the players and the club is like it has always been,” he said. “This is not a courtroom but a press conference. I am just an employee of the club and it is they who decide if they are happy with what they have but I have a very, very, very good relationship with the president and the board.”
He also had the backing of captain Iker Casillas who played down whistles that have been heard recently at the Bernabeu for the coach.
“Only a few months ago the shouts were applause and praise that we had won the league but in football memories are very short.
“‘Mou’ led the team to the title with a record number of points and goals. We should remember the good moments and look to continue the project,” Casillas said ahead of today’s clash.
Atletico’s fine start to the campaign is partly due to the form of Radamel Falcao who has hit 14 goals in 13 games and he is now geared up for the derby. “I don’t feel as much pressure as motivation. We play a great side and it will be a high-tempo match but we will go out looking to win,” he said.REUTERS
