Penalty hell for Robben

Winger lacked confidence to take another, admits Heynckes

 

 

Arjen Robben was distraught after his latest penalty nightmare cost Bayern Munich dearly in their Champions League final defeat by Chelsea.

Robben had the chance to give the German giants the lead from the spot during extra-time in Munich on Saturday.
But Petr Cech saved the Dutchman's effort before pulling off two more stops in the shoot-out to help Chelsea stun Bayern in their own stadium.

The Bavarian side had also been just two minutes from victory in normal time before Didier Drogba's headed equaliser and it all added up to a desperate evening for Robben.
It is not the first time the 28-year-old has been the villain of the piece, having missed a crucial penalty in Bayern's Bundesliga title showdown with Borussia Dortmund last month.

Terrible

And Robben appeared still in shock when discussing events, saying: "I can't describe how I feel with words, but it's been a terrible night.
"Two or three times, you feel you have the cup in your hands but at the end you stand with nothing.

"It wasn't a good penalty. I wanted to shoot the ball hard and high in the goal, but the ball didn't go high enough. It was a terrible penalty kick.
"After that, I still played well but you have to change your mindset at that point."
Robben was consoled by both match-winner Drogba and UEFA president Michel Platini after the game but he admits it counted for little.
"The fact that Drogba and Platini tried to cheer me up was nice, but it's worth nothing," he added.
"I wanted that cup but it didn't happen."

Pressure

Robben then eschewed the opportunity to make amends by taking a penalty in the shoot-out, leaving goalkeeper Manuel Neuer to score from the spot instead.

But Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes was keen not to blame the Holland international, or any of his players, for refusing to step up under pressure.
"Some of my players did not feel sure enough or confident enough to take penalties," said Heynckes.
"They were tired after 120 minutes of play. You cannot force anyone to take a penalty.
"He did not feel confident to be nominated so that is why Neuer took a penalty.
"It is understandable. That is legitimate and I need to know it."



Source : SkySport.com