InterviewArjen Robben: “Bayern are almost unbeatable right now”
Arjen Robben, one of Bayern Munich’s greatest legends, returned to Säbener Straße this week. The Dutchman spoke about his lasting connection with the club, the exciting new generation led by Lennart Karl, and Bayern’s impressive current form under Vincent Kompany. For Robben, Munich remains more than a former home – it’s a family.
“Coming back to Munich always feels like home”
Robben arrived at Säbener Straße with his unmistakable aura, the morning after Bayern’s dominant 4–0 Champions League win over Club Brugge. For him, the visit was as personal as it was nostalgic. “It’s the autumn mid-term holidays in the Netherlands and my son only had one wish: to experience the atmosphere in the Allianz Arena again,” he told fcbayern.com with a smile. “I didn’t think twice about it — we left straight away.”
The former Bayern winger soaked up the familiar surroundings, where his name and song still echo from the Südkurve. During the Brugge match, fans sang “We won the cup, ascended the throne, Arjen did it!” — a tribute to “Mr Wembley,” forever remembered for his 2013 Champions League-winning goal. “This song will stay with me forever. It always makes me proud. Thank you very much for it,” said Robben in gratitude the next day.
“Things are going great at Bayern”
After the game, Robben visited the dressing room to greet his former teammates and meet the new generation. “Things are going great at Bayern,” he said. “I particularly like the teamwork. The team just works and is in harmony — everyone gets back to defend very well. If they continue to play so solidly, guys like Michael Olise and Luis Díaz can make the difference. Both are in great form at the moment, they’re very quick and strong in one-on-one situations.”
Robben still says “we” when talking about Bayern — a reflection of how deeply connected he remains to the club. “If we as FC Bayern are playing well — and that’s the case right now — we can beat any opponent. Bayern are among the favourites for the Champions League final. The final is still a long way off, but at the moment, FC Bayern are virtually unbeatable.”
Robben’s advice for Lennart Karl, Wisdom Mike & Co.
Robben also offered mentorship to the new generation emerging under Vincent Kompany. On Wednesday, 17-year-old Lennart Karl scored in the Champions League, while Wisdom Mike made his debut. Robben, now coaching youth players at FC Groningen, emphasized humility and consistency.
“Lennart Karl deserves the praise he received; he was superb. But the most important thing at that age is to keep focusing on the next game. You have to work on yourself every day and not be satisfied with yourself. That’s the difference in the really good players staying at the top for a long time. Getting there is one thing, staying there is another.” — Arjen Robben
For Robben, the key to success isn’t just talent but mentality — the relentless hunger to improve, even after success.
Impressed by the FC Bayern Campus
During his visit, Robben once again praised the FC Bayern Campus, where Karl, Mike, and others have developed. “The facilities they have there are impressive. It’s important that the talents utilise the opportunities on site — every day. That they make something of it and always give their all. It’s important for the club that players make it to the senior level.”
Robben, who shared the pitch with homegrown icons such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, David Alaba, and Holger Badstuber, believes the academy remains vital to Bayern’s identity. “Of course, it’s ideal if you have five or six players in the squad who come from your own youth programme. They convey the Bayern gene and a Mia san mia feeling.”
“Vincent Kompany has the team in perfect balance”
Robben credited Kompany’s calm leadership and modern approach for Bayern’s resurgence. “You always have to stay composed and focus on your own team. The coach is doing that very, very well,” he said. Robben also mentioned that Bayern’s next Champions League tests against PSG and Arsenal will be tough, but he’s confident in the team’s mentality. “PSG are a force to be reckoned with, and there will be another surprise team — but Bayern just need to stay focused.”
A champion’s heart still beats red
Now 41, Robben balances coaching youth players in Groningen with life as a father and Bayern fan. Whether on the padel court or in the stands at the Allianz Arena, his winner’s mentality remains intact. “Munich will always be a piece of home,” he said before heading back to the Netherlands. “And I’ll be back again soon.”
Keywords: Arjen Robben, FC Bayern, Vincent Kompany, Lennart Karl, Wisdom Mike, Michael Olise, Luis Díaz, FC Bayern Campus, Champions League, Bundesliga, Mia San Mia