Arjen Robben has warned his Bayern Munich colleagues not to underestimate Roma tomorrow night, asserting they ‘play the best football in Italy’.
Arjen Robben has warned his Bayern Munich colleagues not to underestimate Roma tomorrow night, asserting they ‘play the best football in Italy’.
The Bavarians top Group E ahead of Tuesday’s matchday three clash at the Olimpico, but the Lupi are hot on their heels just two points behind.
“Roma play the best football in Italy, so it will be an excellent test,” Robben has told today’s pre-match Press conference.
“Their football is very nice, I congratulate Roma.
“The fact that you thought that [Manchester] City and us were the favourites [in the group] is because Roma have been absent from the competition.
“But we must be careful, as the danger is just around the corner.
“We don’t know how Roma will play tomorrow, if they will adjust our gameplan or stick with their philosophy…
“But perhaps we will have to adapt, because they have a lot of quality in attack and at the back.”
Robben previously admitted to being unfamiliar with Mehdi Benatia – Bayern’s €26m arrival from Roma in August – but he has been impressed by the Morocco defender, before asserting his stance that Italian football remains competitive.
“It’s not always easy to judge players from afar, but I'm sure he will help us. We needed a very strong and quick defender,” the 30-year-old added.
“I don’t think that Italian football is on a downward spiral. I was surprised by that, because Roma play a very technical game, which starts from the back.
“Juventus? They play a different kind of football, although they are also strong and will be dangerous in the Champions League.
“They are a tough opponent who will definitely progress from their group.”