By Oliver Trust
BERLIN, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Uli Hoeness has seen many stars come and go over the years. And experience seems to be telling Bayern Munich's 66-year-old president that every single case is unique and can't be solved without a certain amount of turbulence.
"Have you ever seen a superstar leave or retire without any emotions?" commented the former world class striker.
Therefore, Hoeness is calmly and firmly dealing with the current batch of Bavarian golden-agers Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery. Both are battling hard for an extension to their contracts despite knowing the end of their careers is nigh. It seems difficult to accept that it will be a challenge to constantly perform on a level required by a club like Bayern and meet its international expectations.
Omitting Robben and Ribery (both 34) in the Champions League round of the last 16 match against Besiktas Istanbul (5-0) was an unambiguous message by coach Jupp Heynckes.
Bayern no longer depends on the skills of the two gifted old masters but at the same time the club is well aware they can still be of great value if they accept their new role without endangering the team's balance.
The 72-year-old head coach has cautiously managed to develop Kingsley Coman as a legitimate successor for Ribery on the left wing. Thomas Mueller has found his way back to top class while Leon Goretzka from Schalke and Serge Gnabry from Hoffenheim will joining the battle for places in the new season.
The future of "Rib and Rob" is said to entirely depend on their willingness to accept their future role of being essential substitutes rather than first team regulars.
Now fans and club officials are anxiously waiting to see how Robben and Ribery react over the next week.
According to club insiders, Bayern will not make a decision on the pair's futures April. Until then, Heynckes won't tolerate any unrest that may jeopardize his and the club's ambition to win this season's Champions League. Nothing less is the Bavarian's goal.
Meanwhile, Robben's outburst after the Besiktas game caused widespread criticism among pundits and former football stars. The former Dutch international told a German TV station that he was profoundly disappointed and can't understand why he wasn't picked for the starting eleven. "I can't tell you about my true feelings. Otherwise, I'd have a problem," Robben stressed.
Like Robben (47 pitch minutes), Ribery (12 minutes) wasn't happy with the decision to leave him out, but refused to make any statements.
"Complaining about being sidelined isn't a good idea. It would disrespectful to teammates and the coach. Robben's reaction was unnecessary," former German international Lothar Matthaeus commented.
"Experienced stars like the two should be able to judge their situation and accept they are getting to a point when they are no longer the undisputed number ones in their position. They should know what is needed to keep Bayern at a top level," former Bayern and Real Madrid midfielder Paul Breitner emphasized.
The entire team is benefitting from having so many top performers in the squad. "I don't see a problem," continued the former German international.
Team leaders like Mueller and Mats Hummels encouraged Robben and Ribery to stay focused and keep the team's success in mind. Hummels called Robben one of the most hard-working players in the squad and Mueller said the Dutchman is ambitious like any other team member. He finished by saying that Robben and Ribery are of great value for the team but will have to respect the team faith.
Although their teammates provide support and advice, it doesn't seem to be that easy for Robben and Ribery to take a step back. During the next months they will have to make up their mind about staying or leaving.
According to rumors, Olympique Marseille is said to be interested in Ribery. And Robben's management was recently talking about several offers.
