Chelsea deny Robben rumours
Friday, 29 April 2005 16:27Chelsea today hit back at accusations coach Jose Mourinho had a bust-up with star winger Arjen Robben before Wednesday night's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The club denied there is a problem between the pair after it was reported the player refused to start against their Barclays Premiership rivals in the first leg clash, which finished goalless.
Robben is likely to be on the substitutes' bench again tomorrow evening against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium, as Chelsea seek the point which would bring them their first top flight title in 50 years.
Reports claimed Robben flatly refused to start the game despite being cleared as fit by the club's own medical team.
The Dutch winger had been sidelined for a month with a bruised ankle but had made a successful comeback as a substitute in the victory over Fulham last Saturday.
However, it is understood Mourinho made the decision to leave him out of the starting line-up against Liverpool before asking the Dutchman how he felt in the build-up to the game.
Chelsea dispute the reported version of events which centre on Robben's reply to Mourinho.
The Dutch winger told the Portuguese coach that he did not feel up to starting the game - but he was never in Mourinho's plans.
The side which eventually took to the pitch for the game was the same 11 which had lined up for their final training session.
Chelsea spokesman Simon Greenberg said: "The relationship between the manager and Arjen Robben is excellent.
"There is no truth in any suggestions there was some kind of 'incident' before the match against Liverpool.
"Arjen is coming back to full fitness and is working very hard to achieve that.
"In the meantime he will continue to make a valuable contribution when he can as he did on Wednesday night."
