Sometimes it takes little to sow doubt. When a player as emblematic as Franck Ribéry publicly speaks, each word weighs. And when it comes to a comment on the eve of a large international competition, it can even cringe. In recent days, an apparently harmless declaration has caused some discomfort within Bayern Munich.
On the official FIFA website, the former Bavarian number 7 has appointed its big favorite for the World Cup clubs … and it is not Bayern. Ribéry posted his passion for Boca Juniors: “I'm a big fan, I really love them,” He said, adding that he dreamed one day to discover the atmosphere of the Bombonera. In a few words, he swept away any form of neutrality by claiming to believe in the coronation of the Argentinian club. A media output that little understood on the side of Säbener Straße.
Cold stroke between Ribéry and his old club?
The comments of the former international triclore went up to the upper floors of the Munich club. Even if the current decision -makers did not rub shoulders with it, the tone and the timing were not to the taste of some. In the midst of a preparation phase for a crucial tournament, hearing a legend from the club asserting his preference for a direct competitor was perceived as clumsiness. Even a lack of loyalty. Bayern will precisely face Boca on the second day of group C.
When Ribéry Zappe Le Bayern for Boca Juniors
This is not the first time that an old emblematic player from Bayern has been critical or remote vis-à-vis his former club. Ribéry, while affirming his eternal affection for Munich, held a prudent speech, emphasizing the difficulty of the tournament. “You have to stay concentrated 100 %”he warned, before recovering “To emotions” To guide his feelings. A pirouette that was not enough to calm the perception of favoritism.
It must be said that FIFA is focusing on this extended edition of the Club World Cup, with an unprecedented format and a still fragile craze. In this context, each popular figure has a role to play in selling the product. So, if Ribéry designated Boca as a favorite, is it really out of a simple passion? Or is it also a useful, almost strategic storytelling to capture a much more enthusiastic South American audience? Bayern management did not appreciate the episode. But whatever: Ribéry legend remains free … even if it means disturbing.
