Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola has spoken ahead of his side’s visit to north London and the Emirates Stadium, where they play Arsenal in the third game of the UEFA Champions League group stage competition.
The Bavarians are in fine form both domestically and in Europe, having won every game in both competitions – but due to Arsenal being without a win in Europe, former Barcelona and current Bayern boss Pep believes the home side have the advantage because it is a ‘must win’ game.
In this situation they have an advantage because for them they have to win. When that happens with these kind of players, in this sort of club, with this sort of history, they are going to make the best performance possible so I cannot expect a team that does not fight 90 minutes, fight for each other and in this situation they are in an advantage.
We cannot compete with that situation and you have to look for another way to compete with this enthusiasm. We have to be so intelligent to control our game.
Two years ago we came here and in the first minutes Mesut Ozil missed a penalty. It was so difficult for us. I know we cannot control many minutes here in London against Arsenal so we have to be ready to defend like a team and try. If they want the ball, we want the ball.
Guardiola then went on to discuss the number of different, talented players Arsenal have in their locker, highlighting the likes of Alexis Sanchez, whom he previously managed in Spain and Theo Walcott, who he claims can play in a number of different positions.
I don’t know. In my point of view, every time I have come here it has been a difficult 90 minutes. I saw some very, very, talented players so the truth is Arsenal are in a very good shape, everybody is fit and they have no injuries. My old player Alexis is in top form. How he moves between the lines to create space is amazing. Theo Walcott does not play just as a right winger, he plays up front so that is why makes is a difference as he is so fast and it is difficult to control him.
Obviously when a team decides to put Santi Cazorla as a playmaker it is the best signal of how they want to play. Normally in that position they play big strong guys to run and Arsenal decide to put Cazorla.
When that happens, they are going to play well and they have done in the last month, especially in the Premier League.
Arsenal face Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening with the north London side in desperate need of a win if they are to salvage any hopes of qualification to the knockout stages.
