They may have won every one of their competitive fixtures this season, but Pep Guardiola claims Bayern Munich will be the underdogs against Arsenal on Tuesday evening.
The Bavarians, whose 12 victories in all competitions have seen them score 40 goals and ship just five, memorably faced Arsenal in consecutive years in the Champions League round of 16 in 2012-13 and 2013-14. Both occasions saw Arsene Wenger's men effectively eliminated from the competition before the second leg after comprehensive humblings at the Emirates.
Nearly two years on, Arsenal are in danger of failing to even make it that far after back-to-back European defeats by Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiacos. But Guardiola insists this will only provide further motivation for the Gunners against his German champions.
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola answers questions during his press conference on Monday
Former Liverpool and Real Madrid star Alonso trains with his team-mates at the Emirates Stadium
'
They have an advantage because they have to win,' the Spaniard said. I prefer our situation, but I can imagine how my players would be if it was the other way round… they would be animals. They would be very aggressive. We have to look for a different way to compete against them; we must be intelligent.
'Of course our situation is better than Arsenal's, but there are still 12 points up for grabs and we are not qualified yet. We have to fight against one of the best teams in Europe.'
Guardiola may not have been involved in Bayern's two recent demolition jobs in north London but he brought his all-conquering Barcelona team here in consecutive seasons in 2009-10 and 2010-11, coming away winless on both occasions.
Bayern Munich players train ahead of the Champions League Group F game against Arsenal
Bayern are currently top of the Bundesliga and have won all of their domestic matches so far this term
No comments:
Post a Comment