The Champions League draw has brought FC Bayern Munich a reunion with a familiar opponent: FC Arsenal. The pairing brings back memories of previous encounters and is a source of optimism in the Bayern camp. Former Bayern star Bastian Schweinsteiger in particular sees the draw as a favourable constellation for his former club.
„Bayern have shown that Arsenal suit them,“ said Schweinsteiger after the draw. He is convinced that Munich will „do everything in their power to reach the semi-finals.“
Arsenal are impressing with consistently strong performances this season. The Gunners are currently leading the Premier League, ahead of teams such as Liverpool FC and Manchester City.
FC Bayern are also taking the importance of this match seriously. Coach Thomas Tuchel, who knows the Premier League inside out from his time in England, warned ahead of the upcoming clash: „We are playing against one of the best teams in Europe.“ The response to the draw is therefore a mixture of respect for the opponent and belief in their own strengths.
Bayern managers with respect for Arsenal
Sporting director Christoph Freund emphasised the importance of the second leg in Munich and recalled the successful past against Arsenal. „But we are FC Bayern Munich. Anything is possible at home with our fans behind us,“ said Freund.
Despite the positive record in the past, those responsible at the record champions are aware of the challenge that Arsenal represent. „They are no longer the Gunners, against whom we have won the last three games by a clear margin,“ explained Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen. Expectations are high and the goal is clearly defined: After finishing in the quarter-finals in each of the last three years, the aim this time is to reach the semi-finals.
