Robben picks Anfield as his 'worst stadium' ahead of Champions League return

Posted Monday, February 18, 2019 by ESPN

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben has described Anfield as his "worst stadium" as he prepares to return to face Liverpool in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Robben has some unhappy memories of Anfield, having suffered elimination from the Champions League twice with Chelsea, in 2005 and 2007, and with Real Madrid in 2009.

"I think, if you ask [about] the worst stadium for me, it's probably Liverpool," the 35-year-old told The Guardian.

"You always have your favourite opponent and there always has to be a negative one."

Robben, battling to overcome a thigh injury ahead of the fixture, said he remembers Liverpool as a "cup fighter team" who, during his time at Chelsea, were never seen as one of the contenders for the Premier League title.

That has changed this season, with Jurgen Klopp's side level on points with league leaders Manchester City with a game in hand.

"In one or two games they could really live up to it and perform -- just not the whole season, which was maybe too much," Robben added.

"Now I think it changed and they developed really well. The manager has done a great job.

"Last year they were in the Champions League final and at the moment they are top [of the Premier League]. It's a long, long time ago that they won the league, and that's the one they're dreaming of."