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Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has backtracked on comments about Louis van Gaal, saying he respects his new boss.

Ribery was the subject of interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester United and Barcelona this summer but Bayern's demands proved too great and he was forced to stay at the club.

Only last week he criticised former Barcelona and Netherlands coach Van Gaal for being too strict - saying "there's not much feeling between us at all" - but has since changed his tune.

"The boss has his philosophy, which we respect," the France international winger told Sport Bild. "He talks to me more and we are getting to know each other better.

"The thing is, if I do not have fun, I cannot play football.

"We are training well and with intensity, which will prepare us to take on the big teams."

Ribery's new team-mate Arjen Robben, who joined from Real Madrid this summer, backed his fellow Dutchman.

"It is normal that it takes time for a team to get used to new coaching methods," the former Chelsea and PSV winger told Sport Bild.

"But he is a warm-hearted coach. He is the type of man who maintains a good relationship with his players and is always there for them."

Eurosport