Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribéry has shared his thoughts on Michael Olise’s impressive debut season at the Allianz Arena, offering advice to the young Frenchman on how he can further develop and cement his place at the club. Ribéry, speaking in a recent interview, emphasized the importance of understanding Bayern’s culture and mentality to succeed at the highest level.
Olise has been a standout performer for the Bundesliga giants since joining from Crystal Palace, contributing 13 goals and 14 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. While his performances on the pitch have been exceptional, some moments off the field suggest he is still adjusting to life in Germany. His quiet demeanor during interviews and his lack of participation in a festive club event, where he opted out of singing “Jingle Bells” with his teammates, have fueled speculation about his integration into the squad.
When asked by BILD whether Olise embodies the “Bayern gene,” Ribéry offered a measured response.
“I can’t say that yet because he hasn’t even been here for a full year. Olise is still young, and this is his first experience at a big club. To be honest, I didn’t know much about him before he arrived, but he’s doing very well, even with the national team. I enjoy watching him. But to be among the best in the world, he needs to maintain this level for not just one season, but for three, four, or five. It’s all about mentality.”
Ribéry said.
One of Ribéry‘s key pieces of advice for Olise was the need to learn German, stressing that understanding the language is crucial for fully integrating into the club and its culture. When asked if Olise should learn German, Ribéry said:
“Yes, absolutely. It’s important for him to understand the club, and it’s also a sign of respect. I can only advise him to try to speak, even if he makes mistakes. Otherwise, he risks becoming too withdrawn. I met him once at Sabener Street, and I feel that he wants to learn and succeed.”
Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, Olise continues to be a vital part of Bayern’s attack. He played a key role in the club’s recent 3-2 victory over St. Pauli, providing two assists in the win. The 22-year-old will look to maintain his strong form as Bayern prepares to face Augsburg on Friday, April 4.