Bayern must beware wounded United, warns old foe Robben as German giants warm up

Date: 01-04-2014 12:40 am (10 years ago) | Author: IKUSHIKA OLUWAROTIMI AYOKUNMI
- at 1-04-2014 12:40 AM (10 years ago)
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Arjen Robben cannot wait to return to Old Trafford on Tuesday night, although he has warned Bayern Munich that the push for a successful defence of their Champions League crown will face a severe test against Manchester United.

The reigning European champions were pictured in training on Monday ahead of the showdown with their old foes. The two teams' most memorable clash in this competition came in the 1999 final at the Nou Camp, when two-injury-time goals saw Sir Alex Ferguson's team break German hearts.

But Bayen have also shattered United's past dreams too. Robben scored one of his best career goals at the venue almost four years ago, securing Bayern's passage to the semi-finals with a sweet volley.
'It's always fantastic to play in England,' Robben told fcbayern.de. 'And Old Trafford has got something particularly special about it, a fantastic atmosphere. 

'As a footballer, you dream of playing Champions League quarter-finals in such atmospheres.'

According to Robben, Bayern can expect their stiffest test yet against the Red Devils, even if the Bavarians are unbeaten in 53 Bundesliga matches and have only lost once in all competitions in the past 12 months. 

That defeat came to United's city rivals Manchester City in what was nonetheless a dead rubber final group game for both sides, who had already qualified for the last 16. 

'We've got to watch out,' Robben said. 'The media and public opinion is that Manchester are not in good shape and that we're going through to the semis, but I don't like that at all. 

'It's going to be a tough duel. We've got to be at our best from the very first minute because you only need to get distracted for a second, and you lose against Man U. 

'If you lose concentration and lose the ball, then you get punished there.'

'It's a shame that he's (Van Persie) going to miss out,' Robben said. 'Everybody wants to be involved when you get towards the end of the season and it's painful when you can't be - and I know that from experience. 

'Of course Van Persie has particular quality, but Manchester still have enough options up front: (Wayne) Rooney, (Danny) Welbeck, Nani, (Antonio) Valencia. 

'Like I said, it's going to be a difficult duel, but we're all really looking forward to it.'


Posted: at 1-04-2014 12:40 AM (10 years ago) | Newbie