Robben questions Mourinho's tactics

Posted Friday, May 21, 2010 by theguardian.com

Arjen Robben criticises José Mourinho ahead of Champions League final

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben says Internazionale's José Mourinho is too keen to sacrifice style for results.

The Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has questioned José Mourinho's football philosophy ahead of Saturday's Champions League final.

Robben worked under Internazionale coach Mourinho during his time at Chelsea and believes he is happy to sacrifice attractive football for results.

The Holland winger said: "He puts out a winning team, it doesn't matter if it's done with nice football or not. The philosophy at Bayern is the coach [Louis van Gaal] wants to win games by playing nice football."

The 26-year-old added: "As a player you want to play and enjoy the game, that's also an important part."

A change in tactics ultimately led to Robben's departure from Stamford Bridge for Real Madrid. "I was working with him for three years at Chelsea. It was a successful time, he's a big personality and as a coach of a top team you need to be," said Robben.

"He knew how to work with big players and put them together and let them work together. He certainly knew what he was talking about and had the respect of every single player.

"But we started to play more in this diamond without wingers, which is not good for me. The system changed a bit so I made my decision and left."