At the press conference ahead of PSV - FC Bayern Munich, Arjen Robben beamed and spoke with great anticipation of the match against PSV at the Philips Stadium. "I was already looking forward to it at the draw. It's something very special to be back here. It doesn't get any better."
'Everything was new '
"It was a big step for me at the time," Robben recalled of his years in Eindhoven. "I had grown up in Groningen and when I was 18 I came here. This was a big step not only in terms of football: everything was new, everything was different. It was two important years for me."
Atmosphere
The special atmosphere around PSV is also something that has earned a special place in Robben's heart: "PSV is a family club and you see the big names that used to play here. When you are here and play you notice that. The atmosphere around the club has done me very well and that was one of the main reasons to come to PSV
Coach Carlo Ancelotti knows from experience that PSV is strong at home. In 2005, he lost twice with AC Milan at Philips Stadium
Cheering
Despite his fond memories of Eindhoven, Robben does not intend to cheer modestly if he were to score tomorrow: "I am very easy with cheering: it has nothing to do with respect, but when I score a goal I am happy. The fans shouldn't blame me for that either. If you don't want to cheer you shouldn't score a goal."
Ancelotti hints at minutes Robben
FC Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti also had words of praise for his pupil: "Robben is doing very well. He is showing experience and quality and that is good for the team. I hope he can continue at his level and we want to help him stay at that level for a long time." In terms of the lineup, the coach was able to hint, "Robben can play. I just don't know how long. Ten minutes, twenty minutes, a half or ninety minutes. We'll have to see."