Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben has revealed he hates playing at Anfield only days before Liverpool play the German side on Merseyside in the Champions League.
Robben has played for the world’s best sides against the toughest opposition and won nearly every trophy under the sun – but still can’t stand coming face-to-face with the Reds faithful.
The Dutch winger was speaking to the Daily Mail in an exclusive interview with Rob Draper before the subject of Bayern’s last 16 clash with Liverpool at Anfield came up.
Robben was asked about the impending trip, which comes after the Bavarian’s came from behind to beat Augsburg 3-2 in the Bundesliga.
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“I think if you ask me the worst stadium for me, it’s probably Liverpool,” said the 35-year-old, who has been terrorizing full-backs for the best part of a decade and still has more left in the tank.
“There has to be one! You always have your favourite opponent and there always has to be negative one,” Robben added. And he’s right, because the attacker has been on the wrong end of a few Anfield maulings.
He lost twice in the Champions League in 2005 and 2007, when the Reds were managed by Rafa Benitez. Robben was also on the wrong side of the 4-0 Anfield hiding Real Madrid suffered in 2009, so there’s no surprise that the 208 goal legend is worried about coming to Merseyside.
Robben was playing for Chelsea while Liverpool were winning the highest European honour under Benitez in ’05, but the Dutchman thinks they’re a much better side now.
Pointing to consistency across a full Premier League campaign vs the ability to win cup competitions, the former Chelsea star thinks the Reds have ‘developed’ and are now able to do both. Under Benitez, Robben felt, Liverpool lacked the consistency to win the league.
“Everybody knows the atmosphere at Anfield is probably one of the best you can imagine in Europe,” complimented Robben. It’s the fans job to make Merseyside as intimidating as possible for Bayern on Tuesday night, and the players to do the rest.
As for Robben, he’s been one of the finest wingers in the world over the last 15 years. Whoever lines up against him will know his classic cut inside and shot off his left foot will be coming – but stopping it is different gravy entirely.