Arjen Robben Says Bayern Munich 'Not Allowed' to Talk About Title Ambitions

Arjen Robben has said Bayern Munich cannot talk about winning titles this season because the defending Bundesliga champions "are just not good enough" in their current state. 

A 3-2 defeat to Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund earlier in November has left Bayern fifth in the table and seven points off the summit as they approach Germany's winter break.

Robben spoke to ARD (h/t Bild, via MailOnline's Patrick Boyland) and gave a short response when asked about Bayern's title chances: "We are not allowed to talk about titles at the moment because we are just not good enough."

Die Roten lost four times over the course of their last league campaign and are just one defeat off matching that tally this term, having fallen against Dortmund, Hertha Berlin and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Manager Niko Kovac has had a difficult run of results after beginning his tenure in such fine fashion, and it's disappointing for him to be level with old club Eintracht Frankfurt in the standings at this stage of the season.

Commentator Kevin Hatchard has said he sees a positive impact in the Bundesliga becoming more competitive, however:

Robben also praised the work of Kovac but conceded the Bayern coach is in a difficult job: "He is very, very ambitious and works hard, but you have to say clearly that being Bayern Munich coach is not easy."

Silverware hopes look largely positive in other competitions. Bayern are unbeaten in the UEFA Champions League this term and have won three of their four European outings but were disappointed to be held 1-1 at home by Ajax.

The team is also through to the third round of the DFB-Pokal, but their narrow victories over Drochtersen and Rodinghausen, whom they beat 1-0 and 2-1, respectively, haven't inspired much confidence.

Dortmund look to be major favourites for the Bundesliga crown, although Bayern striker Sandro Wanger has remained adamant his team are the best in Germany, per Goal:

Carlo Ancelotti was sacked by Bayern in September 2017 following a bad start to the last campaign, and it would not be considered a shock if they were to repeat that decision with Kovac the following season.

However, Bayern's board has shown a willingness to keep faith in their incumbent, per Goal's Ronan Murphy:

One can't rule a club like Bayern out of the silverware hunt at this stage of the campaign, but Robben at least seems to have put any thought of clinching trophies out of his head as his side seek to restore equilibrium in Germany.