Robben: Thirty-four is not too old, there is only good or bad

Arjen Robben does not want to be judged on his age at Bayern Munich, with the experienced winger admitting there is “only good or bad”.

The Dutchman has slotted seamlessly into the first of those categories throughout a distinguished career which has taken him from Groningen to Bavaria via PSV, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

At 34 years old, he remains a key figure for Bayern and has taken in 10 appearances so far this season – netting three goals.

The reigning Bundesliga champions have seen standards slip as a collective, though, and are currently four games without a win in all competitions.

It has been suggested that Bayern need to place greater trust in their stars of the future, but Robben believes seasoned professionals such as himself and Franck Ribery still have a role to play.

He told Kicker: “Thirty-four is not too old, we have a personality and an opinion, there is not too old - there is only good or bad.”

Robben also feels that under-fire coach Niko Kovac remains the right man to guide Bayern forward, with the Croat having come in for criticism during a difficult start to his reign.

“He is ambitious and a winner, he is looking for ways to make us play better football again,” he added,

“We do not have to change much.”

CHRISTOF STACHE

Bayern are currently sat sixth in the Bundesliga table, four points adrift of leaders Borussia Dortmund.

Robben considers a more competitive title chase to be a good thing for German football, with the last six titles having headed to the Allianz Arena without much resistance.

He added: “I think it's a good thing the way the table is looking right now. It's what everyone wanted.

“A few years ago it was said that everything was so boring with Bayern, but I'm not worried.

“Just because you're winning doesn't mean everything is going well. By the same token, it doesn't mean some things aren't going to plan when you're not. I'm sure it's all in the small details.

“We need to play with passion, move the ball better, bring back the surprise element and start dominating the opposition again.”

Bayern return to action after the international break on Saturday with a trip to Wolfsburg.