Arjen Robben analyzes the Champions League clash between Bayern and PSV and warns against Eindhoven’s style of play
The former Bayern professional knows both clubs like no other. Ahead of the Champions League clash between FCB and PSV Eindhoven, the Bayern legend assesses the starting position – and is surprisingly clear
When Arjen Robben talks about FC Bayern, it still comes naturally to him to say „we“. „When we’re in a good mood, we usually beat every opponent,“ said the Dutchman in an interview with fcbayern.com. A statement that awakens nostalgic feelings in many Bayern fans – and at the same time underlines the aspirations of the German record champions
Robben, who was a guest at the FC Bayern Legends Cup in the SAP Garden on 18 January, has followed the current development of both teams closely. The fact that his two former clubs are now facing each other in the last match of the 2025/26 Champions League phase gives the clash a special touch for him
PSV with courage – and risk
Robben knows that Eindhoven have already made their mark in the top flight this season. „They won 6-2 against Napoli and 4-1 at Liverpool FC. That naturally gives them confidence,“ explained the 42-year-old. PSV are also dominating the Eredivisie at national level and are comfortably top of the table
At the same time, Robben sees clear starting points for FC Bayern. „PSV is a team that wants to play soccer and have the ball. They don’t just want to defend,“ he analyzes – and adds with a view to the risk of this style of play: „But they have to be careful because if they do that against Bayern and want to play freely, they are also vulnerable at the back.“
Eindhoven will rely on bold soccer and the support of their own fans, especially at home. „The atmosphere in the stadium is always good,“ Robben emphasizes, but also knows that PSV have already lost two home games in this Champions League season – including against Union Saint-Gilloise and Atlético Madrid
Bayern need a reaction after Augsburg
For FC Bayern, there is more at stake than just a successful end to the league phase. Although Vincent Kompany’s team has already qualified for the round of 16, a top finish remains the goal. Munich are currently in second place with 18 points and could secure valuable home rights for the knockout phase with a win in Eindhoven
After the surprising 2-1 defeat against FC Augsburg, Robben expects a clear response. The last time the two teams met in the group stage in 2016/17, FCB struggled in the Netherlands. „It was rather tough in Eindhoven, it wasn’t easy,“ Robben recalled of the 2-1 win back then, in which Robert Lewandowski turned the game around
However, he remembers something else in particular: „I got a great reception, even though I was playing for the opposing team. That was really nice,“ Robben says of the PSV fans
Bayern can hardly expect such a friendly reception on Wednesday evening, but Robben’s message is clear: if FC Bayern bring their quality and intensity to the pitch, the advantage is clearly on Munich’s side. The prerequisite for this, however, is to learn the right lessons from the Augsburg game – and to be present in Eindhoven from the very first minute.