Football News : Van Marwijk fumes at Bayern over Robben

By ESPNsoccernet staff

Netherlands boss Bert van Marwijk has hit out at Bayern Munich in response to perceived criticism over the latest Arjen Robben injury.

GettyImagesArjen Robben is said to have only taken part in light training this week

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Robben, who has just spent five weeks on the sidelines, had to undergo another operation on his pubic bone this week. He had been with the Netherlands squad ahead of the Euro 2012 qualifiers against Moldova and Sweden.

Bayern suggested the injury had been aggravated while training with the national team, but Van Marwijk insists the Dutch medical staff suspected Robben had a groin hernia and sent him to a specialist for further examination after he had taken part in only two short jogging sessions.

"It's almost anti-social," Van Marwijk said.
"I'm a little fed up with it. Bayern Munich have had him doing long warm-ups during matches and even playing for a few minutes. He was sent to Oranje with the advice to walk through the pain.

"Our doctor then examined Arjen in Holland and noticed the inguinal hernia. He was then also examined by a renowned radiologist, who found the same.

"We then returned him to Munich and he underwent surgery there. According to Bayern, the injury became worse after he was with us - as if he were here when the hernia problem occurred. Last year, they even blamed us for Arjen's injury. I've had it. I say this on a personal level - even if it costs my job."

The issue is just the latest in a long line of disagreements between Bayern and Netherlands over Robben's fitness. In February, it was agreed that a friendly game would be played at the Allianz Arena on May 22 as compensation to the club as a result of the player's long absence following the 2010 World Cup.

V an Marwijk, though, said he wanted to see that match called off.

"If it's up to me, we won't play Bayern anymore," he said after Friday's 1-0 win against Moldova. "I've had it with Bayern. As far as I'm concerned, we don't play them in May."

KNVB director Bert van Oostveen has since dismissed the idea the game will not go ahead. "I understand the emotion that can arise after a game, but we have a clear agreement with Bayern Munich," he said in De Telegraaf. "The KNVB respects these agreements. We will play against Bayern - there is no question about it."