Interview
Fri, 31/03/23, 17:43
Arjen Robben before FCB vs. BVB: 'You have to attack in a game like this!'
FC Bayern can reclaim top spot in the Bundesliga with victory at home to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday evening (18:30 CEST). How will the team under new coach Thomas Tuchel approach this hotly anticipated match? We visited Bayern legend Arjen Robben and spoke with the 39-year-old about the top-of-the-table clash, his record against the Black and Yellows and the current FCB side.
The interview with Arjen Robben
Servus, Arjen. How are you and what are you doing these days?
"I'm good, everyone's healthy, which is always the most important thing. I'm just enjoying the free time with the family now."
Who are you still in contact with from your time at FC Bayern?
"I was at Bayern for 10 years, that's a long time. Therefore I'm still in contact with a lot of people, for example with Franck Ribéry, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Philipp Lahm. I came to Säbener Straße during the last autumn half-term and met guys like Thomas Müller, Manuel Neuer, Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Serge Gnabry, plus a lot of physios and other staff. It's nice every time."
How do you rate the current Bayern squad?
"The team is brilliantly equipped for all competitions. There are players with a lot of imagination, pace, power and attacking threat. Everybody's capable of scoring a goal or providing an assist – including from the midfield with Josh and Leon. The squad is very good and certainly capable of titles this season."
"I always loved the big games," says Arjen Robben today about his many memorable displays for Bayern against Borussia Dortmund.
On 1 April it's the hotly ancipated contest between Bayern and league leaders Borussia Dortmund. Where will you be following the match?
"The U15 team I coach have a home match first on Saturday. I enjoy that. I'll be back home in good time, though, and will watch the match on TV."
Who will come out on top on Saturday evening?
"It's going to be interesting. The change of coach could have a positive effect. I see Bayern as the clear favourites at home at the Allianz Arena."
How can Bayern crack the Black and Yellows, what will it come down to?
"Desire will be a crucial factor. You have to attack in a game like this, you have to be completely on it. Especially at home it'll be about giving everything from the first minute. You have to play with confidence from the start and show the opponents they won't have a chance."
You became "Mr Wembley" in your career as a result of the winning goal in the 2013 Champions League final and you're still regarded as Dortmund's nightmare. Do you know how many goals you scored against Dortmund?
"(laughs) Certainly a few, but I don't know exactly how many."
Eleven goals and five assists in 22 games. Five goals in four in the 2013 treble season alone. Were you always extra motivated in these matches?
"I always loved the big games, not just against Dortmund. You can always catch the eye a bit more in those matches. The meeting with Dortmund was always the big one for us. They were nice and special games, whether it was in the cup, the Bundesliga or the Champions League final."
"The meeting with Dortmund was always the big one for us," says Robben, who scored against BVB 11 times.
Why will Bayern also collect an 11th successive Bundesliga title?
"Bayern have the strongest squad in the league, I have a lot of faith in the team. I also have a lot of respect for Dortmund, by the way. They've made incredible progress as a club. It won't be easy for Bayern but I think they'll be leaders again come Saturday evening."
We collated your fan questions ahead of the clash with BVB and put them to Thomas Müller in a Q&A:
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