BAYERN Munich are currently the best team in the world and
favourites to win the Champions League, according to Arsene Wenger.
But the Arsenal manager believes his side are in a much
better mental state to overcome the holders in their European rematch.
The Gunners welcome Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side to
their Emirates Stadium home in north London
for an eagerly-anticipated last-16, first leg tie on Wednesday.
Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern
at the same stage of the tournament on away goals last year.
Since then, Bayern have gone from strength to strength and
have only lost twice this season, to Borussia Dortmund in their domestic Super
Cup and to Manchester City in the final group stage match of European club
football’s elite competition in December.
A year ago, though, it could have been all so different had
Wenger’s men not suffered a hefty 3-1 first-leg loss on home soil which
effectively ended their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals before recording a
remarkable victory in the return fixture in Munich.
And Arsenal manager Wenger says his side, who are still
chasing trophies on three fronts after beating Premier League title rivals Liverpool in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday, are
primed to match fire with fire against the German giants.
While Arsenal and Bayern possess an abundance of quality in
attacking positions, Wenger believes the Gunners’ defence will prove as
important if the Londoners are to reach the last eight.
Wenger, who is expected to recall Tomas Rosicky with Mikel
Arteta ruled out through suspension, added: “With the qualities of the players
on both sides it is virtually impossible to play without style.
“Football is not a chess game. In the history of the
Champions League it is the big players who make the difference on the pitch —
the players are the heroes once the game starts.
“We have been strong at home recently because we don’t give
goals away and that will be important in this tie.’’
Jack Wilshere, the Arsenal midfielder, echoed his manager’s
comments and believes his team-mates must be more streetwise as they bid to
topple Bayern.
“The Champions League is the pinnacle for any player and
these are the games you want to be involved in and we will definitely be ready
tomorrow,’’ Wilshere said.
“We have spoken about the importance of staying in the game.
If it is 0-0 at home we still have a big chance of qualifying. The away goal is
massive, especially in this competition when it comes to these big games.
“You saw it last year when we went out on away goals. This
year we have to be a bit more intelligent and stay in the game. Defensively we
are confident and we know we can create chances with the players we’ve got.’’
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