Attack-minded Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger unfazed by Bayern Munich’s daunting home record ahead of Champions League battle
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists his side’s historic pedigree means the modern day vintage should be fearless in the face of Bayern Munich’s daunting home record when battle commences in tonight’s pivotal Champions League clash.
Reigning German champions Bayern have lost just two of their last 32 matches at the Allianz Arena, although Arsenal have won and drawn there in recent seasons despite neither result proving sufficient to prevent their European exit.
The Gunners revived their Champions League hopes with victory over Bayern two weeks ago, and while defeat would not extinguish their chances, coupled with an Olympiacos win the gap between them and the Greek champions would be six points.
“What we want is to play to win. When you are Arsenal and we have won everywhere in Europe, even here, we will try to win the game,” said Wenger, who intimated at the weekend that he would take a draw. “Are Bayern a great team? Yes. But it is a good challenge for us to compete with them.
“We are in a period where we are doing well and that should convince the players we can do something right. We have a good togetherness and I believe we are a team that stick together when things don’t go well.”
Full-back Hector Bellerin is out of the clash with a groin problem, becoming the ninth player on Arsenal’s injury list, while teenager Jeff-Reine Adelaide has travelled.