Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery hit back at recent criticism from coach Louis van Gaal, saying he needed more playing time.
Van Gaal blasted Ribery in the media last week, saying the French international midfielder was not working hard enough following a seven-week injury lay-off.
Ribery said he was very disappointed to hear the comments and suggested the coach should have spoken to him directly.
“I give it all I have and do everything to be fit again,” Ribery told Germany’s Sky TV. “But if the coach always talks badly about you, if he keeps dragging you down then it becomes difficult.
“I was very disappointed to see his comments in the media. I would prefer for him to say it to me directly.”
He added: “I need his help, his trust.”
“I would like more contact with him so that there is more mutual appreciation.
“I need to talk with him, have fun. If I do not have that then it cannot work on the pitch.”
Ribery, who has played only minor substitute roles in the last two league matches, said he needed more playing time following his recovery from a torn ankle ligament in September.
“If I play 25 or 30 minutes I will never get back to 100 percent,” he said. “I need to play 90 minutes.”
