Bayern Munich star Franck Ribery has revealed that Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho wanted him to go to Chelsea this offseason.
The French winger told reporters that the two are close friends and the idea of a transfer to the English Premier League figured into some of their conversations.
"We often talk," Ribery said, according to Sport Pulse. "He wanted me to go to Chelsea."
"We have a good relationship and respect between us. But I want to beat him!"
Ribery will get a chance to do just that when Munich and Chelsea face off Friday in the European Super Cup, a match that features the annual winners of the Europa and Champions League. This year's battle has quite a few storylines surrounding it as it pits Munich against the team that beat it in the 2011-12 Champions League final.
Moreover, the game features the renewed rivalry between Mourinho and Munich coach Pep Guardiola. The two men faced off in the Spanish League for many years and Mourinho was the man to topple Guardiola's run of three straight Spanish League titles.
Mourinho recently told the media that he did not think Munich was as good this season as it was last year under Jupp Heynckes. However, Ribery defended his new coach.
"The contact with him and the players, the warmth he brings - I have all I need to feel good," he said. "I have already had many conversations with him. I have got to know him well, and vice versa."
"It's not that I need to feel important but I need a good relationship with the coach," he added. "A hello, a little pat on the back, some praise - these things give me confidence, and only when I have that can I also give my best."
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