• Get the MLB 2K12 Package
  • Subscribe to SI
    Subscribe to SI
  • Give the Gift of SI
    Give the Gift of SI
SI.com Home
SOCCER
Posted: Monday February 13, 2012 10:00AM ; Updated: Monday February 13, 2012 10:00AM

Bayern's Robben is selfish, says Beckenbauer

AddThis
Email
Print
AddThis
Email
Print
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

BERLIN (Reuters) -- Bayern Munich great Franz Beckenbauer has criticised the club's out-of-form Dutch winger Arjen Robben, describing him selfish after he lost his starting spot in the past few games.

"He has played away some of his recognition. He is selfish like so many others," Beckenbauer told Sky on Monday.

"His reaction alone to when he has a good effort or scores a goal; he does not run towards the player who set him up to score but instead he runs towards his family in the stands. He lets the team run after him.

"At some point the team mate will say 'if you are not going to recognize my pass then next time you can come and get the ball yourself'," World Cup winner Beckenbauer, now the club's honorary president said.

The 28-year-old Robben has had another injury-plagued season after steering Bayern to a domestic double and Champions League final in 2010 but missing much of the 2010-11 campaign through injury.

Robben, who underwent groin surgery in October, was an unused substitute in the German Cup quarter-final win over VfB Stuttgart last week and came on in the second half for injured Thomas Mueller during the 2-0 league victory over Kaiserslautern on Saturday.

Bayern, chasing a domestic and Champions League treble, have said they are interested in extending Robben's contract beyond 2013.

Copyright 2012 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

 
SI.com
Hot Topics: NBA Playoffs UFC 146 Indianapolis 500 Landon Donovan French Open NHL Playoffs SI Swimsuit
Turner - SI Digital
Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines, your California privacy rights, and ad choices.
SI CoverRead All ArticlesBuy Cover Reprint