'Rafinha has been unlucky at Bayern' - Elber

22/05/2012 9:32:00 PM

The former FCB star feels that his compatriot has to bide his time and wait for his chance, while he understands the club's reluctance to sign more Brazilian talent

EXCLUSIVE
By Maximilian Bensinger

Giovane Elber urged Rafinha to remain patient and wait for his chance to succeed at Bayern Munich following a disappointing debut season at the Allianz Arena.

The right-back joined Bayern from Genoa in the summer of 2011, but has so far been unable to live up to expectations, and has lost his spot in the starting XI to Austrian youngster David Alaba.

"Rafinha has been unlucky. First he got injured and then he got ill. Alaba has broken into the starting XI and has done a great job. He has to wait and see what will happen now. He's a great player, though, and fits in well at Bayern," Elber said to Goal.com.

"He has to remain calm. Everybody at Bayern want regular first-team football. You have to remain patient. He has to wait for his chance and then show what he can do.

"He did a good job at Schalke and Genoa. He just needs a bit of time. It's only his first season at Bayern. Things will work out."

Bayern recently put their scouting missions in Brazil on hold, and Elber understands the Bavarians' decision not to pursue Brazilian talent for now.

"I think they made the right decision. The last few Bayern players who came from South America were not much of a success.

"Of course, there will always be good players coming from Brazil, but Bayern are not under any pressure. They know perfectly well what they're doing, and there are enough players from Europe who could help Bayern."

Elber wore the Bayern Munich jersey from 1997 until 2003, and made over 150 official appearances for the Bundesliga giants.