Heynckes: Bundesliga title a perfect birthday gift for Ribery
Ribery has enjoyed great success since swapping Marseille for Munich in 2007 and is set to equal the record for Bundesliga titles wins – joining Bayern greats Oliver Kahn, Mehmet Scholl, Philipp Lahm and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Victory over Augsburg this weekend would make it six in a row for Bayern and, according to Heynckes, give Ribery the perfect birthday gift.
"I don't know [the plans for his birthday] yet, but the best present would be a championship," Heynckes told a media conference.
"To be able to celebrate an eighth championship on his 35th birthday would be outstanding.
"Even Franz Beckenbauer didn't achieve that [eight titles], it's incredible."
"From day one I developed a special relationship with @FranckRibery. I know what makes him tick and how he needs to be handled. We have a mutual trust. Since I've been back, he has been more motivated than ever. And you can see the results now." #MiaSanMia pic.twitter.com/K4m8693Cwy
— FC Bayern English (@FCBayernEN) April 6, 2018
Whether Ribery plays remains uncertain, though, as Heynckes looks to keep the 34-year-old fresh for the rest of the season, with Bayern chasing another treble.
"He has played Saturday [against Borussia Dortmund] and Tuesday [against Sevilla], so I will have to talk to him to see how he feels," Heynckes added.
"Maybe he'll be an assistant next to me on the bench! I'd prefer that!"