Bayern are even better under Guardiola – Robben

The winger says the Bavarians are an even better side than the one that won the treble under Jupp Heynckes, and it is all thanks to their Spanish boss

Arjen Robben says that Bayern Munich want to continue as the most dominant team in Europe and are eager to prove that with victory over Manchester United.

Die Roten secured a 24th Bundesliga title last week and, despite only managing a 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim on Saturday at the Allianz Arena, go into their Champions League quarter-final having dropped just six points in the Bundesliga this season.

Robben insisted that any celebrations after retaining their domestic title were muted, with his side focused on securing back-to-back Champions League crowns.

“Guardiola has turned us into the most dominant team in Europe,” the 30-year-old told journalists ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final.

“We have made another giant step as a team this season. We are more dominant than we have been. From the very first minute we put massive pressure on our opponents and are capable of keeping the ball and putting them under pressure for the full 90 minutes.

“Our playing style is even more attacking than last year. This manager is tactically so strong. He is always pointing out where we can find the space to get one-on-one situations. He teaches us to make quick sprints and runs without the ball.”

Bayern secured their fifth European title after overcoming Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in the final at Wembley last May and Robben feels that his side are fully capable of becoming the first team to retain the Champions League, with United just one obstacle to overcome.

“No team can have a stroll to the final,” the former Chelsea attacker continued.

“We are facing Manchester United, a big name in world football, but we are razor sharp,” he said. Our football is phenomenal and we want to show that more than anywhere in the Champions League.

“Playing United is the sort of thing that really gets the best out of me.

“We won the German league last week, but we were not even bothered about that. Nobody in the dressing room was talking about it. We knew ages ago we would win the title.”

Bayern travel to Manchester for their quarter-final first leg on Tuesday, with the return leg in Munich on April 9.

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