The German champions' director hailed the Brazilian's versatility but
insists the injured French winger has their full support
Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has slammed the
suggestion Douglas Costa is a Franck Ribery replacement as
"disrespectful".
Costa completed a €30 million move to Bayern on Wednesday,
joining on a five-year deal from Shakhtar Donetsk.
The 24-year-old will bolster the attacking options of the German
champions but Sammer dismissed the notion Costa had been brought
in to cover for former France international Ribery, 32, who has
been battling a long-term injury problem.
"Very versatile, maybe not in defence but he can play multiple
positions," Sammer said of Costa.
"In reference to Franck Ribery, who is injured now for a long time,
I think it is very disrespectful.
"He is injured, cannot train with the team but is still a player of
Bayern Munich.
"We will wait for him, he has our full support and we hope that he
will come back healthy as soon as possible.
"Douglas Costa is not his replacement.
"Of course, Costa can play on the right side, because he can attack
the middle with his strong left foot but he can also play on the left
side and in the middle.
"Altogether I see him as an offensive player, with a lot of
flexibility."
Sammer also said Bayern "will wait and see" on the future of
Bastian Schweinsteiger, who is yet to confirm he will stay at the
Bundesliga powerhouse that he has called home since joining the
youth team in 1998.
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