Arsene Wenger gave his usual pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s encounter with Bayern Munich tonight, where the boss admitted that Bayern Munich are once again the favourites to win the Champions League.
“We know we face the favourites of the competition. We have belief because we have only had big games in the Champions League and the FA Cup – Tottenham and Liverpool.
“Since the start of this season we have known we have had to be 100 per cent for every game. I believe we can do it but that is down to tomorrow.”
Wenger also claimed that the second leg win over the Germans last time around, gave them confidence for the rest of the season which has carried over into this campaign.
Having crashed out of the competition at the hands of the Bavarians last time around, Wenger certainly knows what ‘s instake for the Gunners and avoiding a rout in front of their home supporters would be the first crucial task ahead of him when they face last year’s treble winners.
Wilshere, who attended the press conference along with Arsene Wenger claimed that their defenders have to stand tall against the dynamic attacking force of the Germans. The midfielder who won the man of the match award when he faced a Pep Guariola side last time at the Emirates will return to the first team after having spent the Liverpool’s match on the sidelines. Wilshere is expected to play alongside Flamini in the heart of the Arsenal midfield as Arteta is suspended for the game.
“We have spoken about the importance of staying in the game,” he said. “If it is 0-0 at home we still have a big chance of qualifying, because the away goal is massive, especially in this competition when it comes to these big games.”
“If you look at the history of the Champions League, you will see that it is always the big players who make a difference, and after the analysis is always adapted to the team that wins. But most of the time it’s the big players who make the difference on the pitch.”
It will prove to be an interesting match as two of the most respected and knowledgeable managers face off in Europe’s elite competition. Can Arsenal outclass Guardiola’s Bavarians or will it be a repeat of last year’s drubbing at the Emirates? We will have to wait and see.
After the much anticipated clash between Manchester City and Barcelona turned to be an average match, all eyes will be on the Emirates tonight.
Arsene Wenger gave the latest team news at the end of his conference and confirmed that there are no new major injury concerns.
on the latest team news…
All the players have recovered from Sunday and we have no big injury from that game.
on changes for the Bayern game…
Arteta is suspended, Rosicky comes back into the group. So it will be the squad that played against Liverpool, plus Rosicky.
Long term absentees Theo Walcott, Aaron Ramsey and Thomas Vermaelen are still recovering from their injuries.