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World Cup 2010: Bayern Munich Ace Franck Ribery Upbeat Over France’s Chances
According to Ribery, les Bleus are “one of the favourites” to claim the jackpot in South Africa...
Feb 5, 2010 3:30:00 PM
By Robin Bairner
Franck Ribery believes that France should go to the World Cup with the belief that they can reclaim the crown they won in 1998.
Ribery took time out from fielding questions about his future with club side Bayern Munich and preparing to return to competitive football after an injury-riddled few months to talk to France Football about the international game.
Asked if he felt that les Bleus have little chance of winning the world crown after a lamentable qualification campaign, he responded: “We are still the team of France. We will arrive in South Africa as the vice-champions of the world! So for me, France will be among the favourites.
“However, our attitude must change. We cannot afford to be afraid of our shadow. When we play in the Tricolour jersey we have responsibilities, and we must assume those! Les Bleus should fear no one.”
Speaking of his personal situation, Ribery indicated that he would prefer to play on the left, though he conceded that demanding to play in such a role would give head coach Raymond Domenech a selection dilemma.
“My place is on the left, though the position is promised to Thierry Henry,” he asserted. “Now it’s up to me to talk with the coach. We must make a decision once and for all.”
Ribery has been the subject of intense media speculation of late, with rumours linking him with a move away from Bayern to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.25 | Draw £75.00 | Iceland £130.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.00 | Draw £70.00 | Iceland £130.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.25 | Draw £80.00 | Iceland £150.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.40 | Draw £75.00 | Iceland £170.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | France £11.10 | Draw £80.00 | Iceland £131.50 |
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Ribery took time out from fielding questions about his future with club side Bayern Munich and preparing to return to competitive football after an injury-riddled few months to talk to France Football about the international game.
Asked if he felt that les Bleus have little chance of winning the world crown after a lamentable qualification campaign, he responded: “We are still the team of France. We will arrive in South Africa as the vice-champions of the world! So for me, France will be among the favourites.
“However, our attitude must change. We cannot afford to be afraid of our shadow. When we play in the Tricolour jersey we have responsibilities, and we must assume those! Les Bleus should fear no one.”
Speaking of his personal situation, Ribery indicated that he would prefer to play on the left, though he conceded that demanding to play in such a role would give head coach Raymond Domenech a selection dilemma.
“My place is on the left, though the position is promised to Thierry Henry,” he asserted. “Now it’s up to me to talk with the coach. We must make a decision once and for all.”
Ribery has been the subject of intense media speculation of late, with rumours linking him with a move away from Bayern to Real Madrid and Barcelona.
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