Hoeness: Media harrassed Robben

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness said the media’s criticism of midfielder Arjen Robben affected their Bundesliga clash at the weekend.

The Bavaraians kept pace with Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund as they defeated Schalke 2-0 at the Allianz Arena, but Hoeness was still not completely satisfied.

A brace from Franck Ribery kept the pressure on Dortmund, who won their late kick-off over Hannover 3-1 to keep the gap between the two sides at four points.

The Bayern supremo Hoeness stated that Robben could have bagged a few goals had he not made a conscious effort to change his playing style due to media reports.

According to Bild, Hoeness criticised an alleged ‘witch-hunt of one player or another’.

“If we had not had that in recent weeks, Robben certainly could have scored two or three goals,” Hoeness said.

“This s***talk of whether he is an individualist has caused him to now pass the ball, even if he could go on his own. You can influence a football match from outside.”

Bayern face Bayer Leverkusen in their next Bundesliga outing as they look to maintain the pressure on the league leaders.