Ancelotti unconcerned by Robben tantrum

Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti was quick to downplay the significance of Arjen Robben’s angry reaction after he was taken off in Sunday’s 1-0 Bundesliga win over Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Netherlands international cut a frustrated figure when Robert Lewandowski ignored him during a Bayern attack and he angrily stormed past Ancelotti when he was replaced with Renato Sanches late on.

Robben’s response led to amused expressions on the Bayern bench, with Xabi Alonso, Franck Ribery and Jerome Boateng seemingly light-heartedly mocking the winger and Ancelotti further defused the situation after the final whistle.

“I was never happy when I got substituted either when I still played,” Ancelotti stressed.

“I do not have any problem with his reaction.”

Thomas Muller’s second-half strike helped Bayern to a narrow win that sends them 13 points clear of RB Leipzig at the top and Ancelotti was satisfied with his side’s efforts.

“We put in a good performance in the opening 45 minutes and created plenty of chances,” he added.

“I was happy with our performance, but things were more complicated after the break. Borussia improved and threatened on the break a few times.

“I did not expect that after their Europa League game on Thursday.”

Muller – whose goal marked only his second in the league this season – feels Robben’s tantrum was proof of the Dutchman’s hunger and ambition.

“That shows he is still hungry,” Muller told Sky.

“I think he was not happy with the moment where Lewandowski tried his luck himself rather than pass it to him. It is only a good thing that he remains hungry even though we hold a comfortable lead. That is why we are top of the table.

“It is great to hold such a big lead. We knew about Leipzig’s loss and wanted to win our game. We pushed hard right from the start.

“We struggled in the first half against Frankfurt last week, but were 2-0 up. We were better this time, but it was 0-0. That is why we all love football, anything can happen.

“It was a good day for me. I knew I still have it in me and all my team-mates were happy for me.”