fcbayern.com caught up with Arjen Robben ahead of the FC Bayern Legends Cup, which our Dutch club legend took part in at SAP Garden in Munich on 18 January (all the info). Although there was still a little way to go until the Champions League clash between his two former clubs, Robben, who recently turned 42, was well briefed on PSV Eindhoven and FC Bayern. "When we're in good form, we can usually beat any opponent," said Robben about the German record champions. His emphasis on "we" is likely to bring a smile to the faces of one or two Bayern fans. Mr Wembley will forever remain an important part of the venerable Bavarian club.
Towards the start of his professional career, Robben played for PSV Eindhoven from summer 2022 to summer 2004, scoring 21 goals and setting up a further 21 in 75 competitive appearances. He won the Dutch championship with PSV in 2003 and the Johan Cruyff Shield, the Dutch Super Cup in 2004. "I loved playing there. It was a big step for me to move from a small club like Groningen - my boyhood club - to PSV Eindhoven," said Robben. "Even though I was only there for a short time and quickly moved abroad, I had a terrific time there. PSV is a really nice club." Robben moved on to Chelsea in 2004 and then joined FC Bayern via Real Madrid in 2009. The rest is German football history.
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PSV vs. FCB - the situation
This Wednesday (21:00 CET), his two former clubs will now meet in Eindhoven in the final match of the 2025/2026 league phase of Europe's premier club competition. The Munich men have already clinched a place in the round of 16, but are still fighting for one of the top spots to ensure they always have home advantage in the second leg of the knockout stage. Bayern are currently in second place with 18 points - but their upcoming opponents have also produced some upsets in the current phase. PSV are in 22nd place with eight points and will probably need at least one point against the favourites Bayern to secure their place in the play-offs.
Robben on PSV
"The result will always depend on FC Bayern's form at the time. But Eindhoven have played well in the Champions League. They won 6-2 against Napoli and 4-1 at Liverpool. That gives them confidence and they're also in good form in the league," said Robben. PSV, who signed Paul Wanner from FC Bayern last summer, have a commanding 14-point lead over Feyenoord in the domestic Eredivise. "PSV are a team who want to play football and have the ball. They don't just want to park the bus. But they have to be careful, because if they do that against Bayern and want to play with freedom, they're vulnerable at the back," said Robben about PSV's playing style.
Alongside the thumping win against Napoli, PSV lost their two other Champions League home games, first 3-1 against Union Saint-Gilloise and most recently 3-2 against Atlético Madrid. Even the "terrific fans", according to Robben, couldn't do anything about it. "The atmosphere in the stadium is always good," said the Bayern legend.
The result will always depend on FC Bayern's form at the time. But Eindhoven have played well in the Champions League. They won 6-2 against Napoli and 4-1 at Liverpool. That gives them confidence and they're also in good form in the leagueArjen Robben
When Robben played against PSV
Robben still has fond memories of the last time the two teams met in the group stage of the 2016/2017 season. He scored alongside Thomas Müller, Joshua Kimmich and Robert Lewandowski in the 4-1 win at the Allianz Arena in October 2016, but FCB then struggled in the second leg in the Netherlands at the beginning of November. "The first leg was a good game - but it was rather tough in Eindhoven, it wasn't easy," said Robben. Lewandowski's brace helped turn the game round for the visitors, and Bayern ran out narrow 2-1 winners in the end.
"I still remember the game in Eindhoven very well and that says a lot about the fans. I was given a great reception, even though I was playing for the opposing team," said Robben. "That's not always a given, but it was really nice when everyone clapped. That was the highlight of the game for me." The Munich men are unlikely to be given a similarly warm reception on Wednesday when Robben's successors will be looking to show a reaction after the 2-1 defeat against Augsburg in the Bundesliga.
All the facts and stats ahead of Wednesday's game in Eindhoven:
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