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Dutch winger Arjen Robben today denied he had spoken out over coach Jose Mourinho's controversial rotational policy.


Robben's remarks, appearing to criticise Mourinho's controversial policy at Stamford Bridge, were reported in Saturday's morning papers.


But the Dutch international has now strenuously rejected accusations he is unhappy with the system which worked so well for Chelsea when they won the Barclays Premiership title last season.


In a statement, issued through the club's official website, Robben said: 'I would like to make clear that I completely deny making any critical comments attributed to me this morning about the manager's selection policy at Chelsea.

'I have only given one interview this week, which is published tomorrow.'


Robben was quoted as saying: 'If you play two or three matches and one match is bad, you are immediately on the bench and that's not good.


'It's bad for a player's self-confidence because you can't get a rhythm. The problem now is that if you have a dip in form or play badly then you are immediately replaced.


'I believe we should build the team round a fixed group and if the policy is to be continuous substitution then I don't like it.'


But the flying winger has now told the club he is unaware of the origin of such comments and went on to say: 'I know there is competition for places at Chelsea and that you have to perform to justify your place with so many good players at the club.


'Obviously I would like to play every game but at a club like Chelsea that is not always going to happen. I understand that and respect the decisions of the manager.'


Robben moved swiftly to clear the air at the end of a week when Mourinho had a massive fall-out with defender Ricardo Carvalho.


The Portuguese player had publicly criticised his manager for leaving him out of the Community Shield clash with Arsenal and the Barclays Premiership opener with Wigan last Sunday.


Carvalho's comments angered Mourinho, who had explained his decisions to the player the day before the clash with Wigan.


The Chelsea chief then humiliated Carvalho in front of the rest of the squad and new signing Michael Essien at a team meeting - forcing Carvalho to issue a public apology for his comments via the club's official website.


Robben is not expected to face any disciplinary action from Mourinho after attempting to clear the air over his alleged remarks through his statement.