Robben struggling mentally, says Berthold

Dutch winger Arjen Robben is suffering from a poor psychological state, according to former West German defender Thomas Berthold.

Robben missed a penalty and a late chance on goal for Bayern Munich against Borussia Dortmund in a crunch Bundesliga clash in April, and also failed from the penalty spot in extra time of the Champions League final loss to Chelsea.

And Robben was booed by Bayern fans during the Netherlands’ pre-Euro 2012 friendly with the Bundesliga giants at the Allianz Arena just days after their defeat in the European final, which caused Berthold to speak of his concern for the Dutchman’s mental welfare.

“I fear for Robben’s state of mind, where things are decided in the subconscious,” Berthold told Yahoo Eurosport.

“The bad memories he has experienced, the whistles of the fans and other factors all accumulate to cause him to attack his own ego. He needs a psychologist.”

Berthold, who earn 62 caps for his country between 1985 and 1994, said both Germany and the Netherlands will have to be mentally prepared for the upcoming clash.

“This just shows that whoever has a greater will to win Wednesday’s game will be one step closer to doing so. Mental strength is everything, and must radiate throughout the team – even to the team bus driver,” he said.

Germany will enter the game having achieved a 1-0 victory over fellow Group B hopefuls Portugal, while the Netherlands succumbed to a shock defeat to Denmark.