Before the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16 between Bayern and Atalanta, Ribery talked about the match and his future plans in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, saying that Bayern is the strongest team in football at this stage, and said that he is studying for a coaching license, hoping to coach in the Italian league in the future.
Ribery, was Bayern too strong in the first leg, or did Atalanta not perform well enough?
Bayern was too strong, but Atalanta also played very well. Palladino and his team have tried their best. The problem is that this Bayern is too strong: it would be difficult for any team to face them.
To ask from another perspective: Is Italian football in crisis, or is Bayern simply above all teams?
At this stage, they are definitely the strongest team in football. They are at their peak in all aspects: technology, tactics, and physicality. They are on another level, and everyone can see it.
So Atalanta wants to chase 5 goals in the second leg, and the opponent is still the future... Champions League title favorite?
I can say clearly, yes. Bayern is not only extremely strong, but also in good shape. In my opinion, they are the biggest favorite to win the Champions League.
Can we say that the current Bayern has reached the level of the dominating team of that year? That team dominated Germany and Europe. Can the current team replicate that cycle?
I hope so, because Bayern is my home. They can win because they have a great football culture, extremely high professionalism, and are like a big family. I am very happy to be regarded as a legend here. We wrote history with all the honors we have won. We did it together, because we had great values back then and now.
So you don't think there will be any surprises in the second leg?
I'll say it again, I also watched the first leg carefully. Atalanta encountered great difficulties. Bayern also has extremely rich experience in major competitions. We can talk about their way of playing: this team is good at controlling the ball and can also handle the no-ball stage, high-pressure pressing and oppressing opponents, and never gives opponents time to breathe and pass the ball. Even in Bergamo, this was the case: Atalanta did not get any space or time to organize the attack. But there is one thing I must say about them.
Please tell me.
A tribute to the fans of Atalanta, who support the team in an extremely beautiful way, which sets an important image for the entire Italian football.
After a player career full of honors, Frank is about to start a new chapter in his sports career. The last time he left the field as a player was in October 2022: a series of injuries ended his player career. But football is a part of his life, and he always feels like he is missing something when he is away from the field. Ribery then stayed in the Salernitana coaching staff until March 2024. During this period, he decided to try to show his talents on the coaching bench: Frank is studying in Coverciano (Italian Football Association Coaching Academy) to become a head coach. He has already obtained a B-level coaching certificate and a UEFA A-level coaching certificate. "Only the UEFA professional certificate is missing," he said. This champion player can always see football trajectories that others cannot see.
Ribery, what is your next goal?
My goal is to become a head coach. I am currently studying: Coverciano is the ideal place, where I feel at home. I am very happy to be here, feel very comfortable, and have met many excellent people and shared my experiences with them.
Are you willing to coach in Serie A, which you have gradually come to know over the years, or other top European leagues?
I'm not sure where I will go yet: I hope to be in Italy, a country I love deeply. But I am also willing to accept the opportunity to challenge myself in other countries.