Arjen Robben on Bayern: ‘They’re a well-oiled machine’

Arjen Robben knows these huge European nights like few others. The lights are on, the stands are packed, it’s all on the line. There’s pressure, excitement and nerves. A single moment can often make the difference. The Bayern legend has spoken to fcbayern.com to look ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid. The 42-year-old talks about dominance and the finer details, about the special aura of Los Blancos and the strength of the current Bayern side under Vincent Kompany. Above all, it’s all about mentality, conviction and the feeling that makes big nights at the Allianz Arena unforgettable, because “in football, a match is never over,” according the Dutchman.

Interview with Arjen Robben

Arjen, what did you make of the first leg?
“I thought Bayern were the better side. I reckon the scoreline perhaps didn’t quite reflect that. Real Madrid are still in the mix. That’s something the coach said too. You have to stay alert and focused against them for 90-95 minutes. Even if you think, ‘We’re 2-0 up and things are going our way’, they can score a goal out of nowhere. In football, a game is never over. Madrid are the best example of that.”

Was there a particular Bayern player you liked?
“Everyone was obviously raving about Manu [Neuer]. I was really happy for him, because I played alongside him for a very long time. To me, he’s always been the best goalkeeper in the world. And for him to put in a performance like that in the Champions League quarter-finals at his age – with all due respect, he is 40 now – just goes to show his incredible class once again. But it didn’t surprise me at all. I was just really happy for him.”

Michael Olise also had a very good game. What did you think of his performance?
“I thought he was very good. That’s obviously my position too. He was excellent. He played with energy and creativity and showed some great skill on the ball.”

He often does that distinctive move that fans mainly associate with you, cutting in from the right. Do you see any parallels between him and yourself?
“There are certainly some parallels. But you always have to be careful with comparisons. I don’t really like them, because every player has his own playing style. Of course, there are certain things about us that are similar. But ultimately, he’s a different player to me. He just does it brilliantly. I’m really pleased about that and I can enjoy it too.”

What’s your overall view of Bayern’s progress under Vincent Kompany?
“You can see that this is a team. Vincent Kompany has done a very good job. They constantly push forward and back. That’s what sets a top team apart – the way they sprint back and defend as a unit. Everything is actually working at the moment; everyone knows their role. They have a clear plan and are actually the better side in every game.”

What parallels do you see with the unforgettable 2013 season, when you won the treble?
“It’s difficult to draw parallels. It’s 13 years on now; football has evolved, particularly in terms of physicality and in other aspects as well. Back then, we were dominant for several years, including in Europe, reaching several Champions League finals and semi-finals. We went on to win the Champions League once. I think we could’ve won it at least once or twice more. We were a very good squad, with many players who stayed together for a long time. We always had a core in the team made up of players who knew the club inside out – that ‘Mia san mia’ spirit, that feeling of playing for Bayern. It’s like a family. I think that’s the most important thing when you’re building something like that as a club. I see that in the current team as well. We’re not yet talking about that kind of dominance over several years, but at least this season I think they’re very dominant. I’ve also said to a few friends – we’re obviously constantly talking about football – that for me, Bayern are the favourites in the Champions League. It’s the way they play. It’s very impressive. But that was already the case a few months ago when I was at the stadium against Brugge. That’s when I saw that everything is right and everything fits.”

The second leg against Real is coming up on Wednesday. What do you expect? Another game with plenty of chances? Or will it be more of a tactical battle?
“Bayern will try to play their own game. They don’t need to change their tactics. Their game plan has worked all season. The back line must, of course, be solid; you have to attack as a compact unit. It’s about approaching the game with total passion and conviction. You have to be confident and not be afraid.”

When you think of big Champions League matches, how important is the right mindset?
“That’s absolutely crucial. But I can also see that the team’s mindset is spot on at the moment. The squad has plenty of experience in matches like this. Sure, there are a few young players in the team, but this squad doesn’t get nervous or stressed in moments like these.”

You played for Real yourself for two years. What sets this club apart?
“People are always talking about Real. It’s a huge club on a global scale. They’ve won the most Champions League titles – that says it all. They’re always on the lookout for the best team and want to sign the best players. They used to have the Galácticos. Even later, with Cristiano [Ronaldo], Kaká and Xabi Alonso, they always had top players and big names.”

What’s your take on the current Real Madrid side? And what makes this team so dangerous, particularly in the Champions League?
“You can never write off Real. I’m impressed by the fact that they always stay calm. They’re happy to sit deep and then suddenly break forward. Sometimes they only need one or two moments. You have to watch out for that. They have a lot of individual quality. But I believe that Bayern are the better team. They also have very good individual players who can decide a match.”

You’ve experienced many memorable nights at the Allianz Arena yourself. How do you feel when you look back on those matches?
“I loved those matches. The bigger and more important the match was, the better it was for me. I still have that feeling inside me, even though I stopped playing a few years ago. When I watch a match like that, I mentally transport myself back there and play along.”

How do you follow a match like that?
“Just as a fan. As time goes on, the fewer players are left who I’ve actually played with. At the moment, there are still a few. That’s why I get really caught up in the excitement with the guys. I’m genuinely happy for them when they win. If I had to pick one person, it would be Manu. He’s got another chance this season to win the title, and I really hope he does.”

Just how important can the fans be in a match like this at the Allianz Arena?
“Bayern are playing at their own stadium, with their own fans behind them. That’s another advantage. The stadium will certainly be behind the team.”

If you had to pick a winner, who do you think will come out on top and why?
“Bayern! Because they’re solid and everything is working perfectly at the moment. They’re a well-oiled machine, and I believe they’ll keep going right to the end. But it’s still football, so there could always be a situation where a red card is shown or something like that. You obviously have to be careful about that. You have to be on your toes for the full 95 minutes. If Bayern can manage that, then as far as I’m concerned there’s only one team that will win.”

Read up on the facts ahead of the second leg: