Bayern avoid Ribery questions on eve of semi-final

Bayern avoid Ribery questions on eve of semi-final

Bayern Munich
refused to discuss Franck Ribery’s involvement in a French police
investigation into a prostitution network ahead of Wednesday’s
Champions League semi-final first leg against Olympique Lyon.

Ribery was replaced
by defender Philipp Lahm at a news conference on Tuesday following the
playmaker’s appearance as a witness in the police probe.

“Our press chief said we will not talk about that,” said defender Daniel van Buyten when asked about Ribery.

“Franck … has
invested a lot in this season and wants to finish strongly as we are
still fighting for three titles.” Ribery was substituted in the second
half of Bayern’s 7-0 demolition of Hanover 96 on Saturday because of
muscular problems and did not train on Monday.

Just fine

“Franck looks fine and he completed full training today,” said Bayern assistant coach Andries Jonker.

“He looks to be at
a good level and it looks now that he can last the match tomorrow.”
Jonker stepped in for Dutch coach Louis van Gaal who travelled by car
to Amsterdam to attend a funeral. He is due to return to Munich later
on Tuesday or on Wednesday morning.

Bayern are chasing a German first — a Champions League, Bundesliga and domestic cup treble.

The Bavarians are
without captain Mark van Bommel and defender Holger Badstuber through
suspension but Lahm said appearing in his first Champions League
semi-final was enough motivation to overcome any absences.

“It does not happen
every year that you are in a Champions League semi-final and we have a
good chance to reach the final,” said the Germany full back.

“What we want to do is not to concede a goal. We would like 1-0 or
even 2-0 which would be a very good starting position for the return
leg.”

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