German Cup final: Franck Ribery criticises Pep Guardiola's habit to rotate squad as he claims 'I might need a break after five or six games, not one'

Ribery featured in only 22 of Bayern's 34 Bundesliga matches this season and admits that not starting every match has been a shock to the first team regulars

Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery has criticized coach Pep Guardiola's rotation policy, with the comments earning a swift rebuke from the club's sporting director.

Ribery says in comments reported by Kicker magazine: "Sometimes you play, sometimes you sit on the bench, sometimes you stay at home altogether. That was a new situation for everyone. Personally I need games. I might need a break after five, six games, but not after one."

Ribery, who has also contended with injuries, made only 22 appearances in 34 Bundesliga games this season, nine of those involving substitutions.

The Frenchman has little sympathy from sporting director Matthias Sammer, who wants full concentration on Saturday's German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund.

Sammer says, "It's not the time, before a cup final, to speak of personal things."

AP