Ribery: Bayern want the treble

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has urged his team-mates to remain focused as he has set his sights on winning the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal this term.

The Bavarians currently hold a 17-point lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund in the league table, while they beat BVB 1-0 in midweek to book their ticket for the semi-finals of the domestic cup, and recorded a 3-1 away win over Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie.

"It’s going brilliantly in the Bundesliga and hopefully that’s how it will continue, but there are still a lot of games to go. We need to stay focused," Ribery was quoted as saying on the official Bundesliga website.

"There are two other titles up for grabs as well – the DFB Cup and the Champions League."

The France international then went on to stress that he's happy to work hard for the team, but added that he needs a certain freedom in order to shine.

"I need to do my share of the defensive work, for sure, but when I’m on the ball, I make an intuitive decision on whether to pass, play a long ball or shoot.

"Our former coach Louis van Gaal always wanted me to follow precise instructions. I just said: 'Let me play my game, that won’t work, it’s crazy.' I had my own philosophy – anything else just isn’t Franck Ribery.

"It’s great now with Jupp Heynckes - and it’s working."

Ribery has been in sublime form this term, netting five goals and nine assists in 18 Bundesliga appearances.

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