Arjen Robben: Arsene Wenger's comments typical of a "losing coach"

Arjen Robben looks on as Arsene Wenger accuses him of simulation

In response to Arsene Wenger’s suggestion that Arjen Robben was guilty of simulation during the first leg of Arsenal and Bayern Munich’s last 16 tie, the Netherlands international has branded the Gunners’ boss’ comments “typical of a losing coach.”

The Gunners started brightly during the 2 – 0 defeat to Bayern but the nature of the game was drastically altered following Wojciech Szczesney’s penalty area clash with Robben late on in the first half. Wenger, though, felt the referee’s decision had been influenced by Robben’s exaggerated reaction.

“The keeper touched him, but I told Robben he made more of it and it changed the game.” Wenger claimed post-match.

Although David Alaba went on to miss the penalty which resulted from the incident Wenger referred to, Szczesny’s consequent dismissal led to an extremely dominant second half for the German champions and booing could even be heard directed at Arjen Robben by aggrieved Arsenal fans during the match.

According to Goal, the ex-Chelsea winger, however, viewed the collision differently and even went so far as to claim he was fortunate to have emerged without sustaining serious damage.

“Shivers went down my spine when I saw footage of the foul again. Things could have gone horribly wrong. I have been quite lucky,” Robben told De Telegraaf.

“Wenger’s comments are typical for a losing coach. I don’t care much about it, because it’s not the first time he acts like this.

“It was a pretty scary moment for me. I picked up a serious injury in December after a similar foul from Augsburg’s goalkeeper.”

Robben’s comments dovetail with similar recent controversial remarks made by Jose Mourinho, who labelled Wenger a “specialist in failure.”