Franck Ribery takes veiled shot at Pep Guardiola

Pep Guardiola was treated like a rock star at Bayern Munich from the moment his signing was announced. Players like Arjen Robben, Philipp Lahm, Franck Ribery and David Alaba heaped untold amounts of praise upon the work that Guardiola was doing with the club. It seems, however, as though at least one of those relationships soured.

“Under Ancelotti, I finally feel trusted again, he's a great coach," Ribery said in a Kicker interview. "I need someone like him, Jupp Heynckes or Ottmar Hitzfeld."

Ribery’s four best seasons in a Bayern jersey came in 2007-08 under Hitzfeld, 2011-12 and 2012-13 under Heynckes, and 2013-14 under Guardiola.

Those comments seem to contrast a bit with the quotes Ribery gave in an interview in January 2015. “He is without a doubt the best coach I have ever had.” and “I have a great relationship with him.” were mentioned when discussing the Catalan coach.

Perhaps the injury-riddled two years (along with whispers that Ribery was rushed back from an injury causing a longer layoff) that started to turn Ribery’s mind a bit about what, in particular, his relationship with Guardiola was toward the end.

One thing is for sure, Ribery is ready for the upcoming season."I feel free and completely motivated.” And, he’s full of praise for his new boss. "He is a gift for the club."