Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery hit back on Tuesday at recent criticism from coach Louis van Gaal, saying he needed more trust from the Dutchman and more time on the pitch.
Van Gaal blasted Ribery in the media last week, saying the French international midfielder was not working hard enough following a seven-week injury lay-off.
Ribery, who earlier this year signed a contract extension with the Bavarians until 2015, said he was very disappointed to hear the comments and suggested the coach should have spoken to him directly.
"I give it all I have and do everything to be fit again," Ribery told Germany's Sky television in an interview. "But if the coach always talks badly about you, if he keeps dragging you down then it becomes difficult.
"I was very disappointed to see his comments in the media. I would prefer for him to say it to me directly."
He added: "I need his help, his trust."
Van Gaal has been under growing pressure following a bad start in the Bundesliga that has left the champions in eighth place, 14 points off the top after 13 games.
Ribery's comments come just days after Bayern boss Uli Hoeness accused Van Gaal of running the club as a one-man-show.
"I would like more contact with him so that there is more mutual appreciation," Ribery said of the coach ahead of Bayern's Champions League match at AS Roma later on Tuesday.
"I need to talk with him, have fun. If I do not have that then it cannot work on the pitch."
Ribery, who has played only minor substitute roles in the last two league matches, said he needed more playing time following his recovery from a torn ankle ligament in September.
"If I play 25 or 30 minutes I will never get back to 100%," he said. "I need to play 90 minutes."
